Introduction

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that transform everyday chicken breasts into a delicious, comforting meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Three cooked chicken breasts covered in a glossy, brownish-orange sauce filled with specks of dried herbs are arranged inside a white baking dish. The chicken pieces are plump and slightly browned on the edges, and the sauce pools around and between them, making the dish look juicy and flavorful. The surface beneath the baking dish is a white marbled texture. 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 400°F and lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the brown sugar sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the flavorful sauce from the baking dish over the chicken. This sauce also pairs wonderfully over pasta or rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
If you prefer, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the meat. The sauce reheats well and can be spooned over rice or veggies for a quick meal.

How to Serve

A round white ceramic dish with two handles holds three cooked chicken breasts, each covered with a shiny, brownish-orange sauce with visible herbs and spices scattered on top. The chicken breasts are plump, slightly browned, and garnished with small green parsley pieces. The sauce pools around the chicken, clinging to the sides of the dish with a glossy texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has black checkered lines underneath. 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 breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great with this recipe. They may require a slightly longer baking time, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?

While not required, a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 139 reviews

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic sauce, seasoned with thyme and black pepper. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, served best with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

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

Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper until well combined. This creates a sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the brown sugar sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated to infuse flavor during baking.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cook until the chicken is fully done and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer, indicating safe consumption.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the flavorful brown sugar sauce from the baking dish over the chicken. This sauce is versatile and also pairs wonderfully when drizzled over pasta or rice.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
You can substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme if available for a more vibrant flavor; just reduce slightly.
For a crispier top, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of cooking while watching carefully to avoid burning.
This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: brown sugar garlic chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, thyme chicken, weeknight dinner