This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a mix of sweet and savory that turns a simple dinner into someting special . You marinate pieces of chicken in brown sugar , garlic , and soy sauce so they get all sticky and brown in the oven . The smell of roasted garlic and sweet sugar fills the house , making it hard to wait . It’s easy to make too , so lots of people cook it for family meals or meal prep .
The reason everyone likes this dish is the sweet brown sugar goes perfectly with the savory notes of garlic and soy sauce . That sticky sweetness balances the garliс flavor so it’s both cozy and tasty . Even if you’re not great at cooking ; you can follow this recipe no problem and still impress friends or family .
All you do is bake it , which helps the flavors meld while the chicken cooks nice and even . You mix the marinade and let the chicken soak it up for a bit , then pop it in the oven . Serve with rice , veggies , or a salad . Before you know it , this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken will be one of your go-to meals .
Ingredients
To whip up this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken , grab these items:
- Chicken pieces: You can use breast , thighs , or drumsticks – pick what you like .
- Brown sugar: Adds that sweet stickiness that balances the savory bits .
- Gаrlіc: Fresh cloves give big flavor ; powder works too if you’re in a rush .
- Soy sauce: Brings the salty depth that makes it pop .
- Olive oil: A little oil helps the glaze stick and heats the chicken evenly .
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to boost all the flavors .
- Optional garnishes: Parsley , sesame seeds , or green onions for color and crunch .
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
Before you start , make sure you have:
- Baking dish or tray: A roasting pan or any oven-safe dish will do .
- Mixing bowl: To stir up your marinade .
- Measuring cups and spoons: For right amounts of sugar , sauce , and oil .
- Whisk or spoon: To mix everything until it’s smooth .
- Meat thermometer: So you know the chicken is cooked all the way through .
Directions
Follow these steps to get your chicken just right :
1. Prep Everything
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease or line your baking dish with foil for easy cleanup . If you’re using fresh garlic , mince it finely .
2. Make the Marinade
In your mixing bowl , stir together brown sugar , minced garlic , soy sauce , olive oil , salt , and pepper until the sugar mostly dissolves .
3. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and turn them so they’re all coated . If you can , let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor .
4. Bake It
Place the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish . Pour any extra marinade on top . Bake for 25–35 minutes , or until the internal temp is 165°F (74°C) .
5. Give It a Finish
If you want a darker glaze , switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes . Watch it close so it doesn’t burn .
6. Serve It Up
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after you pull it out . Then serve with rice , veggies , or salad for a full meal .
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
- Pick Your Cuts: Skin-on pieces give more flavor ; skinless works if you want less fat .
- Marinate Time: The longer , the better – aim for at least half an hour .
- Check Temp: Meat thermometer is your friend ; 165°F (74°C) is safe and juicy .
- Side Ideas: Try mashed potatoes , corn on the cob , or roasted greens .
- Storing Leftovers: Keep in a sealed container for up to 3 days ; reheat in the oven for best results .
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you get in one serving :
- Calories : Around 280
- Protein : 25g
- Carbs : 15g
- Fat : 12g
- Vitamins & Minerals : Includes Vitamin B6 , Selenium , Iron .
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Ingredients
- Other Sweeteners : Swap in honey or maple syrup for a twist .
- Gluten-Free Sauce : Tamari or coconut aminos work instead of soy sauce .
- Add Herbs : Toss in thyme or rosemary for extra aroma .
Adaptable Recipes
- Grill Version : Marinate and grill on medium-high heat for a smoky taste .
- Slow Cooker : Put everything in , cook on low for 4–6 hours for super tender chicken .
Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Reviews
Everyone’s raving about how easy this is and how good it smells . On social media , people share pics of the sticky glaze and say it’s a family favorite .
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes , just cook a bit less if pieces are small .
- What sides go well? Rice , veggies , or a simple salad are perfect .
- How do I know it’s done? Internal temp should be 165°F (74°C) .
- Other sweeteners besides brown sugar? Honey and maple syrup both work .
- Can I freeze it? Sure – freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months ; thaw before reheating .
Conclusion
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken mixes sweet and savory in every bite . It’s simple to make and so tasty that everyone will ask for seconds . Give it a try , and let us know how it turns out .
Call-to-Action
Made this recipe? Drop a comment below and share your pics on social media . Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes !
Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk or fork
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk until well blended to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, baste the chicken with the sauce from the baking dish, then continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.