Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high heat will allow the chicken to cook quickly while developing a crispy, caramelized exterior. Lightly grease a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. For easier cleanup, you can also line the dish with tinfoil before spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In a small sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and tender. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked. Once tender, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the brown sugar, allowing the sugar to melt and combine with the garlic and oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer to allow for even cooking. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can butterfly them or use a meat mallet to flatten them slightly for more even cooking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the garlic and brown sugar mixture over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly so that each piece is well-coated. The mixture will caramelize during baking, giving the chicken a golden, sweet glaze. Add salt and pepper to taste to season the chicken as desired.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact baking time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so start checking at the 15-minute mark. The outside should be golden and slightly caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, serve the garlic brown sugar chicken with your favorite side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad. The caramelized glaze from the brown sugar adds an extra layer of flavor to whatever you choose to serve it with.
Tips
- If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic or even include a bit of garlic powder along with the minced garlic.
- For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-brown sugar mixture before spreading it over the chicken.
- For an even crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
- If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish.
