Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts

It’s always good to have a couple of quick-and-easy recipes up your sleeve. You know, the kind of recipes in which you are likely to have all the ingredients on hand and the kind of recipes that are just as likely to please everyone.

In my opinion, this is definitely one of those recipes. It has chicken breast, brown sugar, garlic, and then any array of spices that happen to be calling out to you while you're making this dish. Virtually any combination works and the sweet caramel brown sugar makes it a crowd pleaser.

It's simple, quick, and delicious, all the marks of a delicious meal that's sure to make everyone ask for seconds.

Ideas for Customizing This Recipe

• Consider Cajun seasoning for a sweet-and-spicy combination.
• Add in a couple of teaspoons of thyme or rosemary (or both) for something more earthy.
• Try using a simple grill seasoning to add some peppery goodness.
• Squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving if it suits you or just stick to garlic and brown sugar.
• In the mood for the flavors of Asia? Use a Chinese 5-spice blend on the chicken.
• Use a teaspoon or two of curry powder (or jarred curry paste) and serve with some naan for an Indian flair.

How do you make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts?

Making this dish is so easy, that you'll want to put it on rotation again and again!

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then, arrange the chicken breasts in a prepared glass baking dish, making sure to spray the dish first with cooking spray for easier cleanup. Season with salt and pepper. If you are using a premade spice mix, adjust if your spices already contain salt and pepper.

Next, heat up the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic to the oil and saute it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's fragrant and tender. Take the garlic off the heat and add it to a small bowl. Alternatively, you can microwave the garlic and oil for 2 minutes to simply soften the garlic.

Next, stir in the brown sugar and any spices you are using in the bowl with the garlic. Pour this mixture over chicken. Put the chicken in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through. The cooking time varies here because it is very dependent on the size of the chicken breasts. Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees.

Finally, turn up the oven to broil, broiling for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes on top. Serve with fresh-squeezed lemon.

We also love making this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken for an easy oven-baked chicken dish.

How do I cook chicken breast without drying it out?

My secret for cooking chicken without drying it out is to cook it at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time. The longer it cooks, the drier it will become. Also, cooking it in a sauce can keep it from drying out too, as does allowing it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

Ideas for serving Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts

• Serve this chicken over brown or white rice or a wild rice mix.
• If you are watching your carbs, you can serve this chicken over the top of cauliflower rice, zoodles, or even in a spaghetti squash boat. (Add any remaining sauce from the pan to your "noodle" of choice.)
• Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish for this chicken. Consider roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots. 
• Try a low-carb or high-fiber noodle under the chicken (again add that juice if there is any).
• Slice the chicken breasts and lay atop a bed of greens with all your favorite other toppings. Use a homemade dressing too for a lighter option.
• Roll this chicken up in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, onions, and a filling dressing like hummus.
• Adding leftover brown sugar garlic chicken to a quesadilla wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Dip in barbecue sauce for the ultimate treat.

More easy chicken recipes

• Easy Grilled Chicken Breast
• Greek Chicken
• Chicken Soft Tacos
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken