Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Brown sugar garlic chicken is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. This baked chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible sticky-sweet finish everyone loves.

I started making this brown sugar garlic chicken on busy weeknights when takeout just wasn’t cutting it anymore. The magic happens when brown sugar meets garlic powder in a simple sauce that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something special. What I love most is how the sauce caramelizes in the oven, creating those glossy, golden edges while keeping the chicken incredibly moist inside. It’s become my family’s most-requested dinner, and I’ve made it so many times I could probably do it with my eyes closed. The best part? You only need about 5 minutes of actual prep work, and the oven does all the heavy lifting while you throw together a quick side dish.

What You’ll Need for This Sweet Garlic Chicken

This brown sugar garlic chicken comes together with pantry staples you probably already have. I always use boneless skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking, but thighs work beautifully too if you prefer dark meat.

For the Chicken:

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each, similar thickness)
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the Brown Sugar Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark both work)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Pro tip: I recommend using light brown sugar for a more subtle molasses flavor, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper, richer taste if that’s your preference. For an even stronger garlic punch, swap the garlic powder for 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic mixed right into the sauce.

How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

I recommend prepping everything before you start so the cooking process flows smoothly. This brown sugar garlic chicken bakes quickly, so having your ingredients ready makes all the difference.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch rimmed baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels (this helps them brown better), then brush both sides generously with olive oil. Season each piece well with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks glossy and smooth. The sauce will be thin and pourable at this stage, which is exactly what you want for even coating and caramelization.

Step 3: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish in a single layer with about an inch of space between each piece. Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce evenly over the top, making sure each chicken breast gets coated. Use a spoon to spread it around if needed.

Step 4: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is perfectly done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. If you notice the sauce starting to darken significantly or the edges begin to blacken, loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the brown sugar garlic chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and moist. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken and your sides.

Perfect Pairings for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken pairs wonderfully with sides that balance its richness and soak up that delicious brown sugar garlic sauce.

Steamed white rice: The fluffy, neutral base is perfect for catching every drop of that glossy pan sauce. The mild flavor lets the brown sugar garlic chicken shine.

Roasted broccoli: The slight char and natural bitterness of roasted broccoli cuts through the sweetness beautifully, adding a healthy green element to your plate.

Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes complement the tender chicken and add comfort food vibes to this easy weeknight meal.

Egg noodles: Toss them with a bit of butter and they become the ideal vehicle for soaking up extra sauce. Kids especially love this combination.

Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavors of the brown sugar garlic chicken.

More Delicious Chicken Dinners to Try

This brown sugar garlic chicken pairs beautifully with other easy weeknight recipes that bring bold flavors to the table. For another sweet and savory option, try the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac Cheese, which delivers similar caramelized flavors with a creamy pasta side built right in.

When you’re craving more quick chicken dinners, the Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce offers a golden, crunchy coating with incredible garlic flavor. For slow cooker convenience, the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken provides hands-off cooking with a tangy-sweet glaze, while Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles brings everything together in one satisfying bowl.

Storing Your Leftover Chicken

Store leftover brown sugar garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to include some of that pan sauce with the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.

For reheating, I recommend warming the chicken gently in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the chicken tender instead of drying it out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as good.

Pro tip: This brown sugar garlic chicken freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Store the cooled chicken with sauce in freezer-safe bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The flavors actually deepen after freezing, making it a great meal prep option.

Your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Questions Answered

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