4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken 🍯🧄🍗 — Sweet, Sticky & Juicy Dinner
Ok, prepare to have your mind blown!
This easy garlic chicken recipe will have you wanting to make it over and over again, and wondering how just three basic ingredients can make such a delicious meal.
All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, garlic, and brown sugar. The way they caramelize in the oven gives them such an amazing flavor, you won’t believe it.
The recipe comes together in practically no time and only takes 20 minutes to bake, so you really can have dinner on the table in thirty minutes, and I am sure all the ingredients needed are already inside your pantry and fridge.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GARLIC CHICKEN?
Choose one carb food like rice, Mexican potatoes, or pasta, and one veggie. You can serve steamed veggies or a side salad. Really,y this chicken can be served with a wide variety of side dishes.
My family loves it with white rice and salad. Pan-fried baby potatoes would be great too.
SLOW COOKER || BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN || 5 INGREDIENTS ONLY!
Hey Youtube !!! I'm back with a COOKING VLOG !! This recipe is amazing simply because you only need 5 INGREDIENTS to achieve this delicious meal !!
As you all know, I'm on Active Duty Army, and sometimes when I get off work, I don't really feel like cooking, but the greatest thing about a slow cooker is that you can put your food on, go to work/run errands, and your food will be done by the time you get home. I hope you all enjoy this meal just as much as my fiancé does.
4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken 🍯🧄🍗
Weeknight magic: tender chicken baked with a buttery brown-sugar garlic glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, savory-sweet crust. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 18–22 mins
Total: ~30 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs total)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pantry: 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onion
Serve With
Steamed rice or buttered noodles + a simple salad or roasted green beans.
Instructions
- Prep oven: Preheat to 400°F (205°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and lightly oil or spray.
- Mix glaze: In a bowl, stir brown sugar, garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a thick paste.
- Coat chicken: Pat chicken dry. Place in pan and spread glaze evenly over tops and sides.
- Bake: 18–22 minutes until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Spoon pan juices over chicken halfway through.
- Caramelize (optional but 🔥): Switch to broil 1–2 minutes to deepen color—watch closely.
- Rest & serve: Rest 5 minutes. Slice, spoon over sticky pan sauce, and garnish.
Tips & Swaps
- Thigh option: Use 6–8 boneless thighs; bake 20–24 mins.
- Less sweet: Use 1/3 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp soy sauce for balance.
- Air fryer: 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 mins, flipping at 8 mins; brush with extra glaze and air fry 1–2 mins more.
Nutrition (est., per 1/4)
~420 kcal • Protein 35g • Fat 14g • Carbs 36g.
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw fully for even cooking and proper caramelization. Pat very dry before glazing.
Why is the glaze grainy?
It smooths as it bakes. If you prefer ultra-smooth, warm the glaze gently to dissolve sugar before spreading.
How do I keep it from burning?
Bake middle rack at 400°F and pull once 165°F internal. Broil only briefly and watch closely—the sugar browns fast.
Slow cooker method?
Add all ingredients to slow cooker (keep glaze on top). Cook LOW 3–4 hrs or HIGH 2–2.5 hrs. Thicken juices on the stove if desired.
Add-ons?
Try 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Dijon, or a squeeze of lemon. For heat, add cayenne or sriracha.
Tags
Chicken Recipes