Looking for a quick and flavorful way to upgrade plain chicken breasts? This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a weeknight dinner winner! With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce—all ready in about 25 minutes.
This dish is perfect on its own, but it’s even better when served with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies. It’s simple enough for busy nights, yet tasty enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed – the brown sugar garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and a little herby.
- Family-Friendly – even picky eaters will love it.
- Versatile – serve with sides or drizzle the sauce over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper, to season
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined. - Bake
Place chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. - Serve
Remove from the oven and spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving. Delicious with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
- Don’t expect a thick sauce—it’s meant to be light and glossy, perfect for drizzling.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
⭐ Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something flavorful. Sweet, savory, and effortless—it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!