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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Savory Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken That Will Wow Your Family

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Choose breasts for leaner protein or thighs for extra juiciness.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil To grease the baking dish.
For the Sauce
  • 5 cloves Garlic Finely minced, fresh garlic is essential.
  • cup Light Brown Sugar Packed; can substitute with dark brown sugar or brown sugar alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Add depth; can be swapped with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Optional, balances flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika For subtle smokiness; regular paprika can be used.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder Optional but recommended.
  • ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional, adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter For finishing, enhances richness.
For Garnish
  • Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish; optional.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
  4. Pour the sauce over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, basting halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. In the final 5 minutes of baking, watch closely to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize.
  7. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly. Consider extending the cooking time for bone-in chicken. Basting midway through cooking helps maintain moisture.

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