A Sweet and Savory Chicken Dinner That’s Pure Comfort in Every Bite
Introduction
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully over tender, juicy chicken.
It’s a quick, one-pan recipe that delivers incredible flavor — rich brown sugar, aromatic garlic, and a hint of thyme come together in a glossy sauce that’s downright addictive. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a dinner that feels special but takes minimal effort.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet meets savory: Perfectly balanced brown sugar garlic glaze.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
- One pan: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults love it alike.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients, big taste.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
🍯 Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and black pepper, to season
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🥣 Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. - Season the chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. - Make the sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves and sauce slightly thickens (about 2–3 minutes). - Bake the chicken:
Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. - Roast:
Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Spoon the sauce over the chicken halfway through for extra glaze. - Serve:
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with the caramelized pan sauce and garnish with herbs if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or steamed veggies.
- Try it with garlic roasted carrots or a fresh green salad.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a finishing touch.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a drizzle of water to keep it moist.
- Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.