Description
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory garlic-brown sugar glaze. Perfectly baked to caramelized perfection, this dish is a simple yet flavorful main course that takes just 35 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with some olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cooking the Garlic: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is tender and fragrant, ensuring it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Creating the Glaze: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves fully, creating a smooth, sticky glaze that blends the sweetness of the sugar with the savory garlic flavor.
- Preparing the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic-brown sugar glaze evenly over each breast, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Baking: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Final Touches and Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Be careful not to brown the garlic when sautéing to prevent a bitter taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- The glaze thickens and caramelizes as it bakes, delivering a sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
- If chicken breasts are particularly thick, bake closer to 30 minutes; thinner breasts may take less time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
