The smell of garlic and sugar caramelizing in the oven reminds me of lazy Sunday evenings when dinner needed to feel special but not complicated. This recipe hits that note. It’s sweet, savory, and rich with flavor. Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the kind of meal that comforts without fuss.
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Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This recipe gives you everything you want from a weeknight chicken dish. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy. Brown sugar and garlic create a sticky, savory glaze that clings to the chicken as it bakes.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time at the table. You only need a handful of pantry ingredients. No long grocery list. No fancy tools. Just real, honest food that delivers on flavor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Brown Sugar Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.
Next, brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season each piece generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. This is where flavor starts.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. It’ll look a little like wet sand, and that’s perfect.
Place the chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Spoon or pour the brown sugar garlic mixture over each piece. Try to coat them well.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. A meat thermometer helps make sure it’s done just right.
Once it’s cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Then drizzle some of that thin, flavorful pan sauce right over the top. It’s excellent served with rice or pasta to soak up every last drop.
Tips for Best Results

Season Generously
Chicken tastes better when it’s well-seasoned. Salt brings everything into balance, especially with the sweet glaze.
Use a Meat Thermometer
This is the best way to make sure your chicken is cooked through but not dry. Aim for 165°F in the center.
Let It Rest Before Slicing
Give the chicken a few minutes after baking. This keeps the juices inside so every bite stays tender.
Sauce Serving Suggestions
The sauce is thin on purpose. It’s meant for spooning over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. You could even serve it alongside garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn for a full-flavored combo.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm it in a 375°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce may thin out a little, but it’s still delicious.
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe Card
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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sweet, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken brings comforting flavor with pantry staples.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil (for brushing)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Place chicken into the baking dish.
6. Pour the sauce evenly over each piece.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
9. Serve with pan sauce drizzled on top.
Equipment
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Letting the chicken rest makes it juicier.
This sweet garlic glaze also pairs well with rice or pasta.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 284mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
More Such Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you might enjoy a few others that bring big flavor with little effort. Try our creamy ranch chicken for busy weeknights or parmesan crusted chicken baked to perfection. For a slow-cooked option, check out the crock pot teriyaki chicken for simple dinners. Each one is warm, easy, and totally dinner-table worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do garlic and brown sugar go together?
Yes, they’re a perfect match. Garlic brings savory depth, and brown sugar adds a sweet richness. Together, they create a balanced glaze that’s comforting and bold.
Does sugar make chicken soft?
In small amounts like this, sugar helps caramelize the outside and adds flavor, but the tenderness mostly comes from proper cooking and resting time.
How long should browning chicken take?
In this recipe, the chicken browns slightly in the oven as the sugar caramelizes. That takes about 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F.
What are the ingredients of garlic chicken?
For this version, you’ll need chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and brown sugar. That’s it. Simple and satisfying.
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