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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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