Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly fattier, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Q2: What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that liquid alternatives may thin out the sauce slightly.

Q3: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—if the juices run clear and there's no pink, it's ready.

Q4: Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just pour everything into a baking dish and bake as directed.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Name: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Olive oil – to brush on chicken; Salt and pepper – to season the chicken; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp water; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Description

This easy brown sugar garlic chicken recipe is a sweet and savory sheet pan dinner made in under 30 minutes—perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil – to brush on chicken
Salt and pepper – to season the chicken
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or oil. Place chicken breasts in the dish, brush with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Pour the brown sugar garlic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the dish over the top for added flavor.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil midway through baking.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally.
This dish is great served with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 123
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 284mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.4g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.1g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 48mg