A standout dish that’s both effortless to prepare and deliciously rewarding, this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Combining the rich, comforting notes of brown sugar with the robust flavor of garlic, this dish offers a perfectly balanced profile that appeals to both sweet and savory enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to an intense 500°F (260°C), which ensures a beautifully caramelized finish on the chicken. Lightly grease a casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or a spray of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cooking the Garlic: In a small sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently. The key is to sauté just until the garlic is tender and fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as this can introduce a bitter flavor.
- Creating the Glaze: Remove the garlic from heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s completely dissolved into the garlic and oil mixture. This creates a rich, flavorful glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully.
- Preparing the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Try to lay them out in an even layer, so each breast will cook uniformly. Spoon the garlic and brown sugar glaze over each breast, spreading it across so that every inch of the surface is covered. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Baking: Place the chicken in the oven and bake uncovered. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, they should take about 15-30 minutes to cook thoroughly. The high oven temperature leads to a quick bake that not only keeps the chicken moist and tender but also ensures a delightfully sticky, caramelized crust.
- Final Touches and Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C should be reached), remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist cut of chicken.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even a creamy mashed potato. The savory-sweet elements of the chicken can complement a wide range of side dishes.
Chef’s Notes:
- For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic when sautéing.
- If you’re watching your sugar intake, the brown sugar can be reduced slightly, though it is crucial for achieving the caramelization that makes this dish special.
The simplicity of the preparation belies the complexity of flavors that this dish brings to the table. Whether it’s a quiet meal at home or a festive gathering, this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken promises to delight and satisfy.