Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe

This easy Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe makes the ultimate sweet, savory, and spicy entree!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are oven-baked in a brown sugar butter sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This tasty Asian-inspired main dish goes with so many side dishes. Serve it over rice, or have it with a crunchy green salad. Any way it’s served up, it’s always a hit.

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Sweet Garlic Chicken Breast

Simple enough to make every day, but classy enough for company, garlic chicken comes out tender, juicy, and so delicious, it’ll be on constant recipe rotation!
On the table in less than 30 minutes, this easy garlic chicken breast recipe is a great prep dish for use all week. Use it in this BLT Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich or have it in a wrap. Try adding it to this BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe in place of BBQ chicken, or shred and add to favorite rice bowls.
The delicious butter, brown sugar, and spicy sauce is so versatile, why not experiment with all the ways it can be used?

Ingredients and Variations

CHICKEN: Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this dish, but small wings and drummettes can be used to make an appetizer dish. Pork Tenderloin and even steak bites can be used as well.

SAUCE: This basic sauce is perfect as it is or with just a few additions, it can also be used to glaze vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.

VARIATIONS: Ghee (clarified butter) can be used in place of butter, as can sesame oil and even leftover, melted bacon fat. Replace brown sugar with honey, molasses, or even a sugar-free substitute like Swerve. Simply sweeten to taste. Red pepper flakes add a pop of exotic color and a spicy kick. Ground cayenne pepper or even a tablespoon of salsa can be melted in the sauce before the chicken is added. Bake sweet garlic chicken with a sprig of fresh fennel to infuse into the chicken with a slice of lemon.

Make This Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sweet garlic chicken is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Cook the garlic in butter and then add the red pepper flakes (per recipe below).
Pour over the seasoned chicken and bake until the chicken reads 165° F.
Let the chicken rest about 5 minutes before serving.

PRO TIP: Cut breasts into 1” cubes and thread onto skewers soaked in water before baking for an elegant, hand-held appetizer. Garnish with sliced green onions cut diagonally for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

What to Serve With Sweet Garlic Chicken

Garlic chicken has a bright, bold flavor and needs equally delicious sides! Try these inspirational Asian appetizers and sides. Some creamy and crispy Green Bean Bites make great starters, and for a side, try some Chinese Broccoli, or an Orzo Pasta Salad.

Tips and Time Savers!

Gently pound chicken breasts into even thickness before baking.
Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked properly, it also prevents the chicken from overcooking and getting dry. Chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
The sauce can be made in advance and kept in a container in the refrigerator. Simply heat it on the stove.

Easy Chicken Entrees

plated Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe with salad

5 from 1 vote

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Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

This sweet garlic chicken is so tender and delicious, plus it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 22 mins

Total Time 27 mins

Servings servings

Author The Shortcut Kitchen

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or baking dish.
Heat butter in a small sauce pan, add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and chili flakes if using.
Place the chicken breasts on the prepared pan and season with salt and pepper. Cover with the garlic and brown sugar mixture.
Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.