Introduction

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory elements for a satisfying meal. With a rich brown sugar glaze and aromatic garlic and herbs, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Three cooked chicken breasts sit in a white round pot filled with a glossy, thick orange-brown sauce. The chicken breasts are browned with visible black pepper and herbal seasoning sprinkled on top. Some small green herb pieces are scattered over the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a white and black checkered cloth under the pot’s handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper (to season the chicken)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the glaze.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over each piece, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For an extra punch, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for some heat.
Try swapping dried thyme for fresh rosemary or oregano for a different herb profile.
Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
If you prefer, cook the chicken in a skillet on medium heat before glazing and finishing in the oven for added texture.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows three cooked chicken breasts in a round white casserole dish filled with a brownish-orange sauce. Each chicken breast is golden brown, speckled with black pepper and herbs, and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The sauce surrounds the chicken, creating a glossy and slightly thick texture inside the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a white and black checkered cloth partially under it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly, about 30-35 minutes, until cooked through.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check labels on packaged ingredients like garlic powder to confirm there’s no added gluten.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar and garlic sauce. The combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, and seasonings creates a deliciously sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and uses stovetop cooking to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to season

Sauce:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures the meat is well-flavored before cooking.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved, creating a sweet and aromatic glaze.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.
Glaze the Chicken: Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken in the glaze to coat evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the chicken for added flavor. This dish pairs well with rice or vegetables.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts to keep them tender and juicy.
If you prefer, fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
You can adjust the amount of brown sugar if you want it sweeter or less sweet.
To make this recipe gluten-free, verify that your brown sugar and spices are certified gluten-free.
For extra depth, a splash of soy sauce or apple cider vinegar can be added to the sauce.

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken, sweet and savory chicken, stovetop chicken, easy chicken recipe