Brown Sugar Italian Chicken – Introducing the mouthwatering Brown Sugar Italian Chicken – a perfect blend of sweet caramelized goodness and savory Italian seasonings. A simple yet sensational recipe that makes the dinner table hum with appreciation. This delightful dish is an infusion of brown sugar, chicken, and Italian dressing mix – a trio that promises an explosion of flavors!
The first time I made this dish, it was one of those “let’s see what’s in the pantry” kind of days. Little did I know, it would become an instant favorite in our household! The aroma wafting from the oven had my husband guessing, and the final product? A hit! Our little one kept reaching for more, and with that joyous, sauce-smudged face, I knew I had struck gold.
What makes this Brown Sugar Italian Chicken truly special?
What sets this Brown Sugar Italian Chicken apart? Firstly, its unparalleled simplicity: with just three main ingredients, you’re set for a culinary journey. Then there’s the efficiency aspect – a gourmet meal that’s oven-ready in a mere 5 minutes, making it an ultimate savior for those last-minute dinner scrambles. Lastly, its adaptability is commendable. Whether you fancy it with a fresh side salad, heartwarming roasted veggies, or atop a bed of creamy pasta, this dish is a chameleon, fitting right into any meal setting.
What You Need To Make This Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe?
Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless and skinless for a tender, hassle-free bite. These tend to soak up flavors well, ensuring every bite is imbued with our delicious brown sugar and Italian mix combo. If you have bone-in at hand, they can also work, giving a deeper flavor, but remember the cooking time might vary slightly.
Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness but for that divine caramelized exterior that’s pivotal for this dish. You can switch between light and dark brown sugar; the latter gives a deeper molasses hint, adding more depth to your chicken.
Italian Dressing Mix: A compact powerhouse of flavors! This mix is a blend of classic Italian herbs, providing a savory balance to our sweet chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous or crave more herb notes, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a tad bit more.
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Steps To Make Brown Sugar Italian Chicken:
Step 1: Let’s get that oven preheated to a toasty 425ºF. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it up with some aluminum foil. Now, for the magic mixture: blend that brown sugar with the Italian dressing mix. Once it’s all mixed up, let’s give those chicken breasts a good coat on both sides with our delicious concoction. Set them down in the pan and sprinkle any remaining mixture right on top for that extra oomph!
Step 2: Slide it into the oven and let it bake to perfection for about 20 to 25 minutes. Once it’s all nice and cooked, switch the oven to HIGH broil mode. This will caramelize the brown sugar on the chicken, giving it a divine glaze. Keep an eye on it for 1 to 2 minutes. We want caramelized, not charred!
Tip:
For a succulent outcome, you might want to think about soaking the chicken breasts in a combination of brown sugar and Italian dressing mix, for at least one hour or if you can manage it overnight. This gives the flavors a chance to seep into the chicken guaranteeing that each mouthful is a fusion of caramelization and fragrant herbs. Additionally, marinating can help make the meat more tender and succulent resulting in an enjoyable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Sure! Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can actually make the dish more flavorful and juicy. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it essential to use foil in the baking pan?
The foil, in the baking pan is primarily used for cleanup. Since caramelized sugar can get sticky using foil helps prevent any mess.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers simply place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for, up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them you can reheat them either in the oven or microwave until they are warmed through.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Brown Sugar Italian Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1 0.7-ounces packet Italian Dressing Mix
Instructions
- Let's get started. Preheat your oven to 425ºF and line a 9×13 inch pan with foil.
- Next in a bowl mix together the sugar and Italian dressing mix until blended.
- Now make sure to coat each chicken breast with the sugar and herb mixture.
- Place the chicken in the pan and sprinkle any remaining mixture on top. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes.
- To give it a caramelized finish switch your oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Enjoy your cooked chicken!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
