If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with minimal fuss, this Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe is absolutely the answer. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a beautifully caramelized crust of brown sugar and Italian herbs, enhanced by a hint of smoky paprika and golden olive oil. Every bite bursts with warmth and comforting depth, making it a definite family favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a forever staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with four different spices arranged in sections, including a light beige powder, a reddish-brown powder in the center, a mix of black, white, and green specks, and another light beige powder layer. To the left, raw light pink chicken pieces rest on white paper on a white plate, while above the bowl there is a square glass bottle of golden olive oil without a cap. A black and white checkered cloth is at the bottom left edge, and a whisk with a wooden handle is positioned at the right side, all placed on a white marbled countertop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the sweet richness of the brown sugar to the aromatic herbs in the Italian dressing mix, all coming together to create an irresistible glaze that’s as flavorful as it is visually appealing.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (20 ounces): The perfect protein base providing juicy, tender meat that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup packed): Adds a caramelized sweetness that creates the glossy, slightly crunchy crust you’ll love.
Dry Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounce packet): Brings a vibrant blend of herbs and spices without needing to prepare the dressing.
Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle smoky warmth and a lovely color boost.
Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Ensures the chicken stays moist while helping the seasoning stick and caramelize.

How to Make Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First up, get your oven set to 425°F. Preheating is key for that quick, perfect bake that seals in juices and sets the stage for a crispy, caramelized topping.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning

Grab a small bowl and combine brown sugar, the dry Italian dressing mix, and sweet paprika. This trio forms the signature seasoning that transforms plain chicken into a mouthwatering delight. Remember, don’t prepare the dressing—use the dry mix straight from the packet for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a baking dish, ideally a 9×13 inch pan, with aluminum foil. This step is a simple one that makes cleanup a dream, while also helping reflect heat evenly around the chicken.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides generously with olive oil. Then sprinkle your seasoning mix over both sides, rubbing it in with your hands so every piece is fully coated and ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The brown sugar will start to melt and mingle with the spices, creating that distinctive glossy finish.

Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish

Switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to get a lightly golden, bubbly top layer. This final step gives the dish a restaurant-quality look and texture, perfect for impressing family or friends.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds two main parts: on the left, a pile of bright green cooked green beans with a fresh and slightly glossy texture, and on the right, slices of golden-brown chicken covered in a shiny, lightly seasoned sauce, arranged neatly in a row with the larger piece at the bottom right and smaller slices fanned out towards the bottom left. In the background, slightly blurred, another white plate shows more of the same golden chicken. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with salt and pepper shakers slightly visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves adds a pop of green and a fresh counterpoint to the rich sweetness of the chicken. A light drizzle of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors with a subtle brightness.

Side Dishes

This Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, which complement the caramelized sweetness nicely. For a heartier meal, fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf soak up any extra sauce like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your chicken sliced over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside a colorful quinoa salad for a modern, healthful twist. You can even shred leftovers for tasty wraps or salads the next day—versatility is one of the many charms of this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Brown Sugar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag. Properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to avoid drying out, or microwave in short bursts to maintain tenderness. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help keep it moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe and actually stay juicier. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this dish spicy?

Not really—this recipe leans into a sweet and savory profile, with paprika providing warmth rather than heat. If you want a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Can I prepare this recipe without the Italian dressing mix?

While the Italian seasoning mix adds a unique herb blend, you can substitute with your own combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar flavor.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?

Brushing the chicken with olive oil and not overbaking are key tips. Also, letting the chicken rest a few minutes after baking helps redistribute juices for perfect tenderness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free Italian dressing mix or replace it with fresh herbs and spices you have on hand to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that combines incredible flavor with easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious, so I encourage you to give it a try ASAP. Once you do, I’m confident it’ll become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine.

Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 40 reviews

Author: Ezabella
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and sweet paprika. The chicken is baked to juicy perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized, golden top, making it a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

20 ounces (4 pieces, 5 ounces each) boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed

Seasoning Mix

¼ cup packed light brown sugar
0.7 ounce packet dry Italian dressing mix (contents only, do not prepare dressing)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Other

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, dry Italian dressing mix, and sweet paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Prepare baking dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier after baking.
Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of each chicken piece with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken pieces. Then, gently rub the seasoning mixture into the chicken with your hands to ensure good coverage and flavor adherence.
Bake the chicken: Bake the seasoned chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Broil to finish: Switch the oven setting to broil. Place the chicken back in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the tops of the chicken pieces become lightly golden and bubbly, creating a caramelized crust.

Notes

Make sure not to prepare the Italian dressing with water; only use the dry seasoning packet.
Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
Broiling time can vary; keep an eye to prevent burning.
Line the baking dish with foil for easy cleanup and to prevent the sugar from sticking.
You can adjust the amount of olive oil based on preference; just enough to lightly coat the chicken is sufficient.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American