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Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe


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4.1 from 37 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs coated in a delicious mix of minced garlic, brown sugar, and olive oil, then baked to perfection. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating an irresistible flavor that’s enhanced with a touch of smoked paprika and finished off with fresh parsley garnish. A simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Garlic Brown Sugar Mixture

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for added flavor and a slight smoky depth.
  3. Prepare Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, packed brown sugar, and olive oil or melted butter. Stir until it forms a paste-like consistency to evenly coat the chicken.
  4. Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread the garlic brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of each piece, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor and caramelization.
  5. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety and juiciness.
  6. Broil for Caramelization: For a beautifully caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can create a juicier, more flavorful dish.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the brown sugar is certified gluten-free.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
  • If you prefer, you can use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American