Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
Craving a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dish that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the robust flavor of garlic? Look no further! This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is not only delectable but also perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s a hit for all ages. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and reach the perfect temperature for a juicy result.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. This blend of flavors will create a wonderfully balanced marinade that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: While the chicken is marinating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
5. Bake the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, arrange the breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Pour any remaining marinade over the top of the chicken for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Optional Garnish: For a touch of freshness and added visual appeal, garnish the baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This step is optional, but it adds a nice pop of color to the dish.
Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and reach the perfect temperature for a juicy result.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. This blend of flavors will create a wonderfully balanced marinade that enhances the chicken's natural taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. For even more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: While the chicken is marinating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, arrange the breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Pour any remaining marinade over the top of the chicken for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Garnish: For a touch of freshness and added visual appeal, garnish the baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This step is optional, but it adds a nice pop of color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, for a balanced meal.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Adjust the baking time as needed, as thighs may require a bit more cooking time.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Honey Substitute: If you’re out of brown sugar or prefer a different sweetness, honey works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce if dietary restrictions apply.
Storing and Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, paired with the tender, juicy chicken, makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy your meal!
Feel free to let me know if you want any more recipe ideas, cooking tips, or anything else. Happy cooking!
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