Description
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts baked to perfection with a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic sauce infused with thyme. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or your favorite side for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to season the chicken
Baking Sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until the brown sugar dissolves slightly and the mixture is combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates, then drizzle the remaining brown sugar garlic sauce from the baking dish over the top of the chicken. This sauce is also delicious drizzled over pasta or rice for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme, using about 1 tablespoon fresh.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
