Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Name: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

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.

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

Step-by-step collage showing raw seasoned chicken, sauced chicken, and fully baked brown sugar garlic chicken in a round beige baking dish

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

Close-up of baked brown sugar garlic chicken glazed with sauce and topped with fresh parsley

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.