Baked Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

Close-up of four glazed and seasoned chicken thighs in a glass baking dish.

5 from 3 votes

Baked Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

🍗🇮🇹👏🏻 The EASIEST baked chicken recipe ever because you only need 3 key ingredients and it's ready in 30 minutes! The chicken is moist, juicy, and has a lightly caramelized brown sugar glaze that's balanced by zesty Italian seasoning. This will become a family FAVORITE chicken dinner recipe especially on busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast and it's picky eater approved!

Prep Time4

Cook Time25

Total Time29

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Baked Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

Servings:

Calories: 240cal

Equipment

(8x8 inch) Baking Dish OR
(9x9 inch) Baking Dish
digital thermometer

Ingredients

½ cup light brown sugar packed
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix (this is a dry seasoning mix; see the blog post and FAQs for more info and substitution info)
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (skin-on may be used if preferred, or chicken breasts may be substituted)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425F and spray an 8x8-inch baking dish or a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Tips - Do not use a baking sheet because there will be too much juice/liquid that's created during baking and a baking sheet won't likely be enough to catch it all. If you want to add veggies like sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, you can but use a 9x9.
To a small bowl, add the brown sugar, dry seasoning (do not add oil or vinegar to it which is what the directions likely say, just keep it dry), and stir to combine.
Evenly sprinkle it over all the chicken pieces evenly, making sure to coat both sides and the sides of the chicken.
Place the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. If you have extra dry rub, sprinkle it over the top of the chicken.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is done. Either thighs or breasts are done when the internal temperature measures 165F. Use a thermometer and don't guess for best results.
Optional - If you want to crisp up the top a bit, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes. If you choose to do this, make sure to watch it like a hawk! Broilers are very potent and can burn things in a matter of seconds. And since this chicken has a high sugar content, it will be more prone to burning, so you have been warned. Easy does it, don't turn your back on it! Note that it will never become ultra crispy since this is more of a saucy chicken recipe than a crispy chicken recipe. Mentioning this to balance expectations.
Let the chicken rest momentarily before optionally garnishing it with fresh herbs (such as fresh parsley, basil, oregano, thyme), and serving. If desired, season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, etc. as desired before serving.

Notes

Storage: Extra chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently as desired, or serve chilled. Extra chicken is great in wraps, sandwiches, or salads.

Nutrition