Brown Sugar Rubbed Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Brown Sugar Rubbed Chicken recipe—a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a mouthwatering spice rub made with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat. The sugar caramelizes while baking, forming a tantalizing crust that locks in moisture for tender, flavorful bites every time. Quick to prep and ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy schedules without compromising on taste. Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this Brown Sugar Rubbed Chicken is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the spice rub.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the spice rub stick and ensures a nice crust while cooking.
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, using about 1 tablespoon in total to lightly coat the meat. This helps the spices adhere and adds moisture.
Liberally rub the prepared brown sugar spice mix all over each chicken breast, ensuring an even coat on both sides.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.
Serve the brown sugar rubbed chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.3 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 1123 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.3 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.0 g | ||
| Protein | 217.9 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2066 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
