Sweet Garlic Chicken

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

After a long day, I spotted garlic and brown sugar on my shelf. Tossed those with chicken, and before I knew it, dinner was served – and it tasted amazing!

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 13:15:48 GMT
Two golden chicken breasts covered in garlic and herbs served on a black plate. Pin it
Two golden chicken breasts covered in garlic and herbs served on a black plate. | tasteofsavor.com

Dinner's a breeze with brown sugar garlic chicken. You only need four easy things. Toss them together and enjoy mouthwatering smells in just half an hour. This works great when friends pop by or you don't want to stress about dinner.

Perks of Making This Chicken

Brown sugar brings sweet vibes, and garlic kicks in loads of flavor. Chicken turns out moist, wallet-friendly, and fits right into any weeknight. Make more if you want some for tomorrow—tastes just as good cold. Perfect for busy times or when you wanna impress someone.

Stuff You’ll Grab

  • Pepper: Sprinkle a little for some heat
  • Salt: Just a dash does the trick
  • Oil: Stops things from sticking in the pan
  • Brown Sugar: Gives that sweet and sticky glaze
  • Garlic: Chop up fresh cloves or shake in some powder
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless pieces—breasts are easiest

Simple Flavorsome Chicken

Finish Up:
1. Carefully grab your hot pan 2. Rest chicken about 5 minutes 3. Pour juices over each piece 4. Scoop extra sauce into a bowl for folks to share 5. Dish up quick while it’s warm
Cooking Time:
1. Slide the pan to the oven's middle rack 2. Bake 30 mins, uncovered 3. Check it after 25 mins 4. Slice the thickest piece 5. Look for white, not pink in the middle 6. If needed, go 5 minutes longer
Fix Chicken:
1. Dry off your 4 chicken breasts 2. Lay them out in your oiled pan 3. Don’t crowd them 4. Spoon over the garlicky sugar mix 5. Smother each piece, get the tops and sides
Prepare Pan:
1. Grab your baking pan 2. Pour in oil and spread it to every corner 3. Get the sides slick too 4. Make sure nothing’s left dry
Make Garlic Mix:
1. Dice up 6 garlic cloves 2. Drop 2 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan 3. Pop it on medium heat 4. Stir till garlic is soft, about 2-3 minutes 5. Turn off the stove 6. Mix in 1/2 cup brown sugar 7. Stir till sugar’s mostly melted 8. Dash in salt and pepper
Get Ready:
1. Warm oven to 350°F 2. Set out your baking dish 3. Grab a small pan for the garlic mix
Two chicken breasts glazed with sweet garlic sauce, topped with minced garlic and cracked pepper, rest in a dark tray with extra sauce. Pin it
Two chicken breasts glazed with sweet garlic sauce, topped with minced garlic and cracked pepper, rest in a dark tray with extra sauce. | tasteofsavor.com

Makes Your Place Smell Incredible

As soon as this chicken starts to bake, your kitchen fills with a sweet garlic smell. The brown sugar bubbles and garlic goes soft. Everyone’s asking what’s cookin’. It just makes home feel extra cozy.

Speedy Dinner Saver

Need to get food on the table fast? This is your go-to. Four simple things and half an hour is all it takes. No fuss. No tricky steps. Just tasty chicken so you can relax after eating.

Sweet Plus Savory Goodness

What’s so good? That mix of garlicky flavors and melty brown sugar turns chicken into something juicy and yummy. The sauce seeps in while it cooks. Sometimes simple food is just what you need.

Pairs With Everything

This chicken? Throw it over rice or on top of pasta. Scoop it up with veggies. Leftovers are awesome for lunch the next day. You can put pieces in a sandwich or just snack cold. It goes any way you want.

Little Tricks for Awesome Chicken

If you can, always use real garlic instead of the jarred stuff. Oil up your baking dish so cleanup’s a snap. Make sure you save the saucy pan juices—they’re pure gold. Drizzle it over every bite when you serve. It’s these little things that make it unforgettable.

Three juicy chicken breasts, drenched in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with chopped onion and fresh herbs, piled in a white serving bowl. Pin it
Three juicy chicken breasts, drenched in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with chopped onion and fresh herbs, piled in a white serving bowl. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other chicken cuts?

Thighs are perfect since they stay moist and taste even better. Drumsticks take an extra 10 minutes, but they're worth it. Bone-in pieces need longer, though. Want quicker cooking? Tenders are great and cook faster than breasts. Just make sure the internal temp is 165°!

→ How can I store leftovers?

Once the chicken cools, seal it in a container. It'll stay good for 3 days in the fridge. The sauce stays sticky and yummy! Reheat gently in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens up. Perfect as a lunch over a salad!

→ No olive oil? What else works?

Use any cooking oil! Avocado oil handles heat well. Regular vegetable oil is another easy option. Coconut oil works great and adds a light flavor twist. Avoid butter, though – it can burn. Just pick an oil that works with oven heat!

→ What pairs best with it?

Rice soaks up all the tasty sauce, so it's a great choice. Try steamed broccoli or green beans as a side. A quick salad works well too. Some folks even serve it over noodles. Feeling fancy? Roasted sweet potatoes match the flavors perfectly. Or use any veggie you can dip in the sauce!

→ Can I add some spice?

Sure! Sprinkle red pepper flakes in when sautéing garlic for a hot kick. Cayenne works too. Want an Asian twist? Add sriracha to the sauce. Some like black pepper or hot sauce at the table. Start small and add more heat if you want it spicier!

Conclusion

Fan of simple meals? Next time, try garlic honey chicken. Lemon garlic chicken's another tasty option. Or whip up a sweet balsamic chicken. All use ingredients you probably already have!

Sweet Garlic Chicken

Got half an hour? Make this sweet and savory dish tonight!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 pieces of chicken breasts.
02 4 chopped garlic cloves.
03 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
04 4 tablespoons of brown sugar.
05 Salt, if you'd like.
06 Pepper, if you'd like.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven at 350°. Grease your baking dish.

Step 02

Sauté garlic in oil till soft. Stir in sugar once off the stove.

Step 03

Lay chicken in the dish. Pour the garlic sauce on top.

Step 04

Cook it for 30 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°.

Step 05

Drizzle juices over chicken before serving warm.

Notes

  1. Drippings turn into a simple sauce.
  2. You could swap in chicken drumsticks.
  3. Pairs awesome with rice or vegetables.
  4. Oil makes cleanup faster.
  5. Works well for freezing with the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stove.
  • Small pan.
  • Baking dish.
  • Tablespoon.
  • Oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Garlic.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 24 g