About This Recipe
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a simple, savory-sweet main dish. It features chicken baked in a glaze of brown sugar and garlic. The method uses common pantry ingredients and requires minimal hands-on preparation time, resulting in a flavorful baked chicken dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The recipe requires basic, readily available ingredients.
- Preparation is straightforward with minimal steps.
- It combines savory garlic and sweet brown sugar for a balanced flavor profile.
- The baking method provides a hands-off cooking process.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, olive oil (or melted butter), soy sauce, black pepper, and optional salt. Stir until a consistent mixture forms.
- Pour the brown sugar and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, turning them to ensure all sides are coated.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. For the last 5 minutes, you may baste the chicken with the pan juices.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed, as breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken up to several hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Allow the dish to come closer to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweet and savory glaze.
You Must Know
The cooking time is an estimate. Always verify that chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear and the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). The sugar in the glaze can cause the sauce to caramelize and potentially burn if baked at too high a temperature or for too long; monitor the dish during the final minutes of cooking.
Storage Tips
- Allow leftover chicken to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- The sauce may solidify when chilled due to the fat and sugar content. Gently reheating in a microwave or oven will return it to a liquid state.
- For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.