Description
This baked garlic brown sugar chicken is a perfect combination of savory and sweet. The juicy chicken is coated in a caramelized brown sugar and garlic glaze, making it a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare for any weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients
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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken thighs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the garlic brown sugar mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, and oregano. Stir until well combined.
- Coat the chicken:
- Pour the garlic brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). For a caramelized top, switch to the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- This recipe works equally well with bone-in chicken; just adjust the cooking time accordingly (about 40–45 minutes).