This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish you can whip together in under 30 minutes for a fast and delicious weeknight meal! It requires minimal prep and is a fabulous option to keep as a freezer meal to pull out on busy nights or even for company!
3large chicken breastsbutterflied and cut in half to make 6 thinner cutlets (or use 6 smaller chicken breasts)
3tablespoonsavocado or olive oil
3tablespoonsbutter
3tablespoonsminced garlic
1/2cupbrown sugar
1teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
In small saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add oil and garlic, and saute briefly for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Add brown sugar and thyme and cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
Place chicken breasts in baking dish or aluminum pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Spoon brown sugar garlic sauce over chicken breasts.
Freeze for later use, or proceed to cooking instructions.
To freeze:
Cover dish tightly, label, date, and freeze.
To cook:
Remove chicken from freezer and allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake chicken for 20 minutes, until cooked through.
Optional step: If desired, at end of baking, sprinkle small amount of additional brown sugar on tops of chicken and bake for 2-3 more minutes or carefully broil for a more carmelized sauce. (But be very careful because these ingredients will burn VERY quickly, especially under a broiler, so don't even think about stepping away from the oven while broiling.)
Notes
Dairy-free option: You can use a dairy-free butter substitute like Earth Balance, or just replace the butter with an additional 3 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil. Just make sure it is an oil that is rated for high heat.