Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of brown sugar and garlic, then cooked until perfectly glazed. This recipe offers a rich balance of flavors with a simple preparation method, suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 15 minutes (pan-cooking)
- Total Time: 35 minutes (baking) or 25 minutes (pan-cooking)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade & Seasoning
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking, optional if baking)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well until the brown sugar begins to dissolve and forms a thick paste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: You have two options to cook the chicken:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
- Pan-Cooking: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, spooning the glaze over the chicken as it cooks to build a shiny, sticky coating. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and keep the meat tender. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Marinating longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the sugar from overly breaking down the chicken texture.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If baking, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes to intensify the glaze’s caramelization but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or oven.
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken recipe, glazed chicken, easy chicken dinner, sweet garlic chicken
