Description
Succulent baked garlic brown sugar chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy edges and juicy meat create an irresistible dinner sensation you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Ignite the oven’s warmth to a precise 190C (375F), creating a welcoming environment for the chicken. Tenderly prepare a baking vessel with a light coating of oil or a protective parchment paper embrace.
- Transform the chicken into a flavor canvas by gently patting it dry. Massage the surface with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and a whisper of paprika, ensuring each inch is lovingly seasoned.
- Craft a decadent elixir in a small mixing bowl by uniting melted butter, aromatic minced garlic, rich brown sugar, silky olive oil, and fragrant oregano. Whisk these ingredients into a glossy, tantalizing marinade.
- Lavish the chicken with the prepared mixture, allowing the golden-brown concoction to cascade and enrobe every contour of the meat, creating a glistening protective layer.
- Slide the adorned chicken into the heated oven’s embrace. Allow it to roast and caramelize for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 74C (165F). For an enhanced golden-brown finish, activate the broiler during the final moments of cooking.
- Gracefully extract the chicken from the oven, permitting it a brief moment of rest. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across its surface, transforming the dish into a vibrant culinary masterpiece ready to be savored.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness; thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes to reach safe internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness without overcooking, which prevents dry chicken.
- Experiment with adding crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce can replace some butter for a lighter version without compromising taste.
- For gluten-free diets, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially brown sugar and seasonings.
- Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower glycemic index options.
- Marinate chicken beforehand in the garlic-brown sugar mixture for deeper flavor absorption.
- Transform leftovers into delicious salads, wraps, or grain bowls by slicing chicken thinly.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace oregano for nuanced aromatic variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg