Description
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a garlicky brown sugar glaze with a hint of smoked paprika. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a mouthwatering caramelized finish and can be paired wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the garlic mixture: In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful glaze.
- Coat the chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, then spoon the garlic brown sugar mixture evenly over each piece, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Caramelize the top: For an extra caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs; if using, bake for 30–35 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice to absorb the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
