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Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

Brown Sugar Italian Chicken
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Brown Sugar Italian Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe that combines the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the bright, aromatic flavors of Italian seasoning. This juicy, tender chicken dish is perfect for busy weeknights and appeals to the whole family. With simple pantry ingredients and versatile serving options, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that balances sweet and savory notes for a truly delicious experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into every bite.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with olive oil, lemon juice (if using), and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and sear until golden brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes, to lock in juices and add texture.
  4. Glaze and Cook Through: Flip the chicken and spoon the brown sugar mixture over the top. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook for 6-8 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and the glaze has thickened.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness and juiciness before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking.
  • Don’t skip the sear to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Brown sugar can burn easily; keep heat moderate and stir glaze gently.
  • Cover the pan during cooking to trap moisture and keep chicken juicy.
  • Season generously with Italian seasoning and salt for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown Sugar Chicken, Italian Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Quick Chicken Dinner, Family Friendly Chicken

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/brown-sugar-italian-chicken/