Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken: The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful chicken dish that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken coated in a mouthwatering blend of savory garlic, sweet brown sugar, and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients and minimal prep work lead to a dinner that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting guests for a special occasion, this chicken will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. Here’s why Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a must-try and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of brown sugar pairs beautifully with the rich, savory garlic and the slight acidity from balsamic vinegar. This creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken perfectly, caramelizing during baking for added depth of flavor.
Easy and Quick: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The chicken comes out juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor—all while requiring very little effort.
Versatile: This dish pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad. The glaze is versatile enough to work with chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of this recipe is that everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. The chicken bakes in a simple sauce that coats the meat and caramelizes in the oven, adding flavor and moisture while keeping the dish uncomplicated.
Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavors, this chicken is sure to be a hit with the entire family. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new flavors while sticking to something familiar and comforting.

Ingredients for Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

To make this delicious Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs or drumsticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze:

1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic!)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for a fresh finish)

How to Make Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
This easy-to-follow recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Here’s how to make Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken:

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