Description

Brown Sugar Italian Chicken is a quick and easy dish that blends the sweetness of brown sugar with flavorful Italian herbs to create a perfectly balanced meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and offers a comforting yet exciting twist on classic chicken dishes. Suitable for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, it uses simple pantry staples and delivers a mouthwatering savory-sweet glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Brown Sugar Mixture

1/3 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Seasonings & Oil

1 tbsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary blend)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Make the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, minced garlic, and if using, a squeeze of lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden crust.
Add the Brown Sugar Topping: Lower the heat slightly, then spoon the brown sugar mixture evenly over each piece. Allow it to melt and caramelize as you let the chicken cook through, about 5-7 more minutes, turning occasionally.
Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sugar forms a sticky glaze, remove from heat. Let it rest a few minutes so the juices redistribute before serving.

Notes

Pat Dry Chicken: Dry chicken sears better and helps the sugar caramelize evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure a golden crust.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor unmatched by pre-minced alternatives.
Watch the Heat: Medium to medium-high heat is best to prevent burning the sugar while achieving a perfect glaze.
Let It Rest: Resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender instead of dry.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, Italian chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, savory sweet chicken, weeknight meal