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
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
