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Sweet Garlic Chicken Bake

Featured in Perfect Poultry Recipes.

Quick and tasty chicken glazed with a sweet brown sugar garlic coating, baked to perfection in 30 minutes flat.

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A woman in a white chef's outfit with a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:32:11 GMT
Two perfectly cooked pieces of chicken breast resting in glossy sauce. Pin it
Two perfectly cooked pieces of chicken breast resting in glossy sauce. | cuisinegenial.com

I've got this no-fuss garlic and brown sugar chicken that my folks ask for every single week! You'll only need a few minutes to get it ready, and wow, the outcome is mind-blowing. This juicy chicken comes with a sweet-sticky garlic coating that'll make you think you're eating at some fancy place downtown.

What's So Special

Why does everyone go crazy for this brown sugar chicken? It's all about how sugar, butter, and garlic work their magic when they hit the heat. This simple method transforms ordinary chicken into something you won't forget. Even the fussiest kids from next door always want more!

What You'll Need

  • Boneless breasts: They work the best for this dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just a dash to bring out the flavors.
  • Garlic: Go with fresh cloves for the tastiest results.
  • Brown Sugar: The secret that makes this chicken stand out.
  • Butter: Can't make that fantastic coating without it.

Cooking Steps

Bake It Up
A hot 450° oven is what you need - cook for around 20 minutes until everything looks just right.
Coat Each Piece
Things will get a bit messy here - pour that buttery mixture all over and really rub it in.
Make That Glaze
For an awesome sauce, let the butter melt slowly with garlic until your house smells incredible.
First Things First
Cover your pan with foil - you'll thank me when it's time to clean up! Give those chicken pieces a good seasoning.

Pro Advice

Want perfect results every time? Make sure your chicken pieces are cut to the same thickness. Don't forget to use a meat thermometer - you're looking for 165°. The dish turns out best when you let the glaze get a little tacky.

Time-Saving Tricks

The coolest thing about this dish? You can prep it beforehand! Season your chicken, whip up the glaze, then pop it in your fridge till tomorrow. It freezes wonderfully too - just let it thaw when you need a quick dinner option.

Perfect Pairings

This chicken tastes fantastic when served over some creamy spinach. There's plenty of sauce to drizzle on rice or potatoes too. Whether you're feeding the family or having company over, this dish always gets rave reviews.

A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. Pin it
A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. | cuisinegenial.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When is the chicken ready to eat?

Stick a meat thermometer in—you’re good at 165°F. The top should have a nice golden-brown hue.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Definitely! Rub the cooled mix on your chicken, then wrap it up and refrigerate it overnight. Freezing works, too!

→ What’s with pounding the chicken?

Flattening it makes sure the chicken cooks evenly, avoiding dry edges or undercooked spots.

→ Can I go with thighs instead?

Yep! Just expect a longer cook time since thighs take their sweet time compared to breasts.

→ Why bake at such a hot temp?

The 450°F heat gives you that caramelized topping while keeping the meat nice and juicy.

Sweet Garlic Chicken

Golden chicken breasts baked with a rich brown sugar garlic mix. Perfect quick dinner idea for busy nights.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tsp paprika.
02 4 minced garlic cloves.
03 3 tbsp butter.
04 1 pound chicken breasts without skin or bones.
05 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed.
06 Dried oregano (or your fave herbs), 1 tsp.
07 Salt and pepper, add as needed.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 450°F and line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and set it in your dish.

Step 03

In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and toss in the garlic.

Step 04

Add oregano, brown sugar, and paprika to the pan. Cook everything for about a minute. Let it cool down a bit.

Step 05

Spread that sweet garlicky mix generously over your chicken.

Step 06

Pop the dish in the oven, bake for 20-25 minutes, and make sure the chicken temp inside reaches 165°F.

Notes

  1. Even out thick chicken pieces to about 1 inch using a mallet.
  2. You can prep this early and keep it frozen.
  3. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
  4. Got time? Make everything the night before and refrigerate it.
  5. Makes a handy meal-prep option.
  6. Keep an eye on it at higher temps to prevent burning.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Large 9x13 pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 264
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 24 g