Name: Brown Sugar Italian Baked Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488352H39M29S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Italian‑inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 (≈0.7‑oz) packet dry Italian dressing seasoning mix; Salt and pepper to taste

Sweet and savory, this Brown Sugar Italian Baked Chicken brings together the best of both worlds. Coated in a blend of brown sugar and dry Italian dressing mix, each piece bakes to perfection with a lightly caramelized glaze. It’s incredibly simple to make and tastes like something I could serve on a busy weeknight or even for casual company. Brown Sugar Italian Baked Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. It uses pantry staples and doesn’t require any marinating time. The brown sugar melts into a rich glaze while the Italian seasoning adds zesty depth. I also appreciate that it’s adaptable—chicken thighs or breasts both work great—and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 (≈0.7‑oz) packet dry Italian dressing seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 425°F (≈218°C), and I line a baking dish with foil or give it a light spray with cooking spray.
If I’m using chicken breasts, I pound them to an even thickness between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper.
In a small bowl, I mix the brown sugar and dry Italian seasoning mix until well combined.
I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat both sides of each piece with the sugar-seasoning mixture. I place them in the prepared baking dish, sprinkling any leftover mixture over the top.
I bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (≈74°C).
For an extra caramelized top, I sometimes switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the sugar doesn’t burn.
After removing it from the oven, I let it rest for 5 minutes and spoon the pan juices over before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (plus optional 1–2 minutes broiling)
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

I like to swap in chicken thighs when I want juicier, more forgiving results.
For a smoky touch, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
If I want a bit of heat, I mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the brown sugar.
When I’m short on brown sugar, I’ve used honey or maple syrup in a pinch—just brushed on lightly.
I occasionally layer sliced onions or cherry tomatoes under the chicken for added flavor.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to do it gently—either in the microwave at 50% power or covered in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. I’ve also used the leftover chicken sliced in wraps, tossed into salads, or stuffed into sandwiches with greens and a bit of mustard.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check for an internal temperature of 165°F (≈74°C) using a meat thermometer. That’s the safest and most reliable method to avoid under- or overcooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, I often coat the chicken with the seasoning mix and refrigerate it covered for a few hours before baking. It gives the flavors more time to meld.

What kind of Italian seasoning mix should I use?

I use a dry packet of Italian dressing mix, like the ones for salad dressings. It has a mix of herbs, salt, and a bit of tang.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Yes, to lower the sugar, I’ve used a brown sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener and it still caramelizes nicely.

What side dishes go well with this?

I usually serve it with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or mashed potatoes to soak up the pan juices.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Italian Baked Chicken is one of those effortless dishes I keep coming back to. It’s sweet, tangy, savory, and so easy to put together—perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, I can have a satisfying meal that feels like a treat every time.