Name: Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tablespoons of brown sugar; 3 tsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight wonder that’s equal parts easy, flavorful, and a little bit sophisticated, this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is going to be your new go-to dish. With the most irresistible combination of savory garlic and sweet brown sugar topping perfectly juicy chicken breasts, this recipe brings tons of flavor with minimal fuss. The result? A mouthwatering meal that’s the perfect balance of comfort and elegance—a dish you’ll be proud to serve to friends and family any night of the week! Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a recipe guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what can happen when you combine just a few pantry and fridge staples! Each ingredient in this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe was chosen to bring something unique to the table, whether it’s deep flavor, rich color, or that perfectly juicy texture.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show—they’re lean and juicy, and the perfect blank canvas for bold flavors.
Garlic: Fresh cloves add an unmistakable savory bite and fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Brown Sugar: This is the secret to that gorgeous caramelized finish and incredible sweet contrast against the garlic.
Olive Oil: Sauteing the garlic in olive oil blossoms its flavor without letting it burn, and adds a hint of richness.
Salt and Pepper: Even simple seasonings like these play a crucial role in enhancing every other flavor in the dish.

How to Make Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray—this ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a total breeze. Setting up your dish first means you can focus on cooking and assembling the magic that is Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken.

Step 2: Saute the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, just until it’s translucent and fragrant. Watch closely—you’re looking for soft and glossy, but not browned. This quick step transforms harsh raw garlic into something sweet and mellow, which is key for the final flavor.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts flat in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle both sides with an even amount of salt and pepper. Taking an extra moment to season both sides helps each bite explode with flavor, right down to the juicy center.

Step 4: Mix and Top

Add the brown sugar to your sauteed garlic and stir until it’s a slightly sticky, sandy mix. Spoon this mixture evenly over each chicken breast, patting it gently on top—the sugar will melt into a beautiful glaze as it bakes, tucking luscious flavor into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole dish, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is ready when the chicken is opaque, the juices run clear, and the tops are gloriously caramelized. Let it rest a couple minutes before serving to keep each piece juicy and tender.

How to Serve Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple touches can take this dish from homey to show-stopping! Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the chicken before serving for a fresh, vibrant pop of color. A few curls of lemon zest or a drizzle of pan juices also add brightness and elevate each serving.

Side Dishes

This is a chicken dish that plays well with so many sides! Try it with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes for serious comfort, or serve with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to keep things fresh and balanced. A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette is also a brilliant pairing for the sweet and savory flavors in Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little fancy, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of rice pilaf, or serve atop creamy polenta for a totally restaurant-worthy meal. Leftover chicken is also incredible sliced into sandwiches or chopped for a flavorful salad the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The savory-sweet glaze keeps the chicken delightfully moist, so leftovers warm up beautifully without losing their magic.

Freezing

This chicken freezes wonderfully! Place slices or whole breasts with a little extra sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To maintain that signature juiciness, reheat the chicken in a covered baking dish at 325°F until just warmed through, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works, but cover lightly to keep moisture in. Spoon any reserved juices over the top before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe—just note that they may require a bit more time in the oven. The dark meat has extra flavor and stays tender and juicy, making your Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken even more rich.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Wait to bake until just before serving for the best texture and caramelization on top.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—when the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, it’s done. Slice into the center if necessary; the meat should be opaque and any juices should run clear.

Can I make Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken without brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute a mix of white sugar and a touch of molasses, or try a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a slightly different spin. Brown sugar is best for that signature depth and caramel finish, though.

What’s the best way to mince garlic quickly?

For fast and even mincing, use a garlic press, or smash peeled cloves with the flat side of a chef’s knife then finely chop. Starting with fresh garlic will always give the brightest flavor to your Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken into your own kitchen. It’s a foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe with bold flavors and an irresistible glaze—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests. Give it a try and watch this dish become one of your most-requested favorites!

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a savory-sweet delight that’s perfect for a simple and flavorful dinner. The combination of garlic, brown sugar, and tender chicken breasts creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Garlic Brown Sugar Mixture:

4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons of brown sugar
3 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F and spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Saute Garlic: In a pan, saute minced garlic in olive oil until translucent but not browned. Set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the casserole dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make Garlic Brown Sugar Mixture: Mix brown sugar into the sauteed garlic and distribute evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
Bake: Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken breasts are cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American