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I'm gonna tell you about my super simple garlic and brown sugar chicken that my folks ask for every single week! This chicken dish takes barely any time to get ready but turns out fantastic. Each mouthful of this quick chicken is tender and juicy with a sticky sweet garlic coating that seems like it's from an upscale eatery.
What Makes It Special
Why does everyone love this brown sugar chicken so much? It's all about how sugar, butter, and garlic work together while baking. This simple method transforms ordinary chicken into something truly wonderful. Even the fussy kids next door always want more!
What You'll Need
- Boneless Breasts: This dish works best with these cuts.
- Salt and Pepper: Just the right amount for proper flavor.
- Garlic: Get whole cloves for the best taste in this dish.
- Brown Sugar: This makes our chicken truly memorable.
- Butter: Essential for creating that amazing glaze.
Cooking Steps
- Get Ready
- Cover your baking dish first - you'll thank me when cleaning up! Give those chicken pieces a good seasoning all over.
- Create Your Sauce
- For an incredible flavor, let the butter and garlic melt together until you can smell that fantastic aroma throughout your house.
- Bake To Perfection
- A hot oven is crucial - cook at 450° for around 20 minutes until everything's just right.
- Apply The Mixture
- Things might get a bit messy - pour that buttery goodness everywhere and rub it into the meat well.
Helpful Hints
Want perfect results every time? Make sure all your chicken pieces are cut to the same thickness. Using a meat thermometer really helps - you're looking for 165°. This dish turns out best when you let the glaze get a little bit sticky on top.
Prep Ahead
The greatest thing about this dish? You can fix it beforehand! Get the chicken seasoned, mix up your glaze, then pop it in the fridge till tomorrow. You can even freeze everything and just thaw it out when you need a fast dinner option.
Pairing Ideas
This chicken goes perfectly with a side of creamy spinach. There's usually enough sauce to pour over some rice or potatoes too. It doesn't matter if you're feeding your family on a weeknight or having company over, this chicken always gets compliments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to tell if my chicken is cooked?
Stick a meat thermometer in—the inside should hit 165°F. A good sign is that the outside gets golden brown, too.
- → Can I prep this earlier?
Sure thing—rub the mix on the chicken, then cover and stash it in the fridge overnight. You could even freeze it for later.
- → Why flatten the chicken breasts?
Making them an even thickness helps them cook through without half drying out or staying underdone in spots.
- → Can I swap chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Thighs work just fine! They’ll just need a little more time since they take longer to finish cooking.
- → Why bake it at such a high temp?
A 450°F oven is key. It helps with browning on the outside while making sure the inside stays juicy and tender.