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I whipped up this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken when my cupboard was nearly empty. It's turned into our go-to dinner for busy nights! The way the sugar turns golden with the garlic makes this amazing sticky coating that fools guests into thinking I slaved away, when it's actually super quick.
Why This Chicken Stands Out
What makes this dish wonderful is how uncomplicated it is. A handful of ingredients create something truly special. The garlic gets nutty and caramelized while the brown sugar transforms into this beautiful sticky coating. It goes perfectly with everything from basic salads to creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients List
- Chicken Breasts: Four equally sized boneless skinless pieces.
- Garlic: Four cloves finely chopped.
- Brown Sugar: Four tablespoons of either dark or light variety.
- Olive Oil: Three teaspoons to saute the garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: Added according to preference.
- Optional Add-ins: I sometimes throw in smoky paprika or garden herbs.
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Cooking Instructions
- Preparation
- Crank your oven to 500°F and lightly coat your baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare Garlic Mixture
- Heat the olive oil and saute garlic until fragrant then stir in the brown sugar.
- Arrange Chicken
- Place chicken in your dish then spoon the garlic sugar mix over top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Baking Time
- Cook uncovered until chicken is done around 15-30 minutes based on thickness.
- Final Touch
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it you'll thank me later.
Helpful Hints
Try to pick chicken pieces with similar thickness for even cooking. I sometimes add a dash of soy sauce or grated lemon peel to the garlic mix for extra zing. If you want some heat just toss in some crushed red pepper.
Tasty Variations
Don't be afraid to switch things up! Toss in some basil or thyme or a bit of smoky paprika. My friends on keto diets use alternative sweeteners with great results. If you prefer dark meat chicken thighs work wonderfully just cook them longer.
Common Questions
You can definitely use bone-in chicken just extend your cooking time accordingly. Any extras will stay good in your fridge for three days. It freezes well for up to three months too. We usually pair it with potato mash but it's great with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why set the oven so high?
The higher temp lets the brown sugar caramelize quickly while making sure the chicken stays moist inside.
- → When's the chicken ready to eat?
Check that the inside reaches 165°F. Timing depends on how thick the chicken pieces are.
- → Can I swap breasts for thighs?
Totally! Just adjust the cooking time since thighs usually take longer than breasts.
- → Why cook the garlic before baking?
Heating it first softens its sharp punch so it blends better with the sweet brown sugar.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
It tastes best fresh, but leftovers last 3-4 days stored tightly in the fridge.