Easy Garlic Chicken

The title does not lie, this really is EASY garlic chicken, though I think it really should be called Easy Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken, but I digress!  This has been a family favorite for years, so I am not sure why I am just getting around to finally taking pictures and sharing the recipe, but I doubt you will be disappointed when you give it a try.  And honestly if you have ever been to my house for dinner you have likely had this recipe so you can attest to its deliciousness. 

You will want to start with garlic, a lot of garlic.  Think about like a whole bulb almost, I told you it was a lot!  

First things first, peel off the cloves...

Then peal the cloves so the "skin" is not left on them.

 Next, use your handy dandy, Garlic Rocker.  What's that?  You don't have one, well then go here and buy one now, seriously, its so great for chopping lots of garlic.  Want to know what I mean, check out these pictures:

One garlic clove chopped in seconds:

Once you have all the Garlic chopped, put it in a small frying pan.

Then assemble the chicken on an aluminum foil covered cooking sheet (you will thank me later when you don't have to scrub that pan cleaned).  Salt and pepper the chicken to taste, aka lightly season it.

Next mix in the Olive Oil in with the chopped garlic and turn heat on.

While the garlic is starting to cook, measure out the brown sugar in a prep bowl, like so:

You want the garlic to infuse with the oil, but not to overcook, so keep a close eye on it.....

 Looks about right:

Next, pull the garlic and oil mixture off the heat and dump in the brown sugar:

Combine both until it is thoroughly mixed and you have something that looks like this:

Now divide up the brown sugar mixture evenly onto the chicken pieces:

Then spread out to cover the chicken and pop in the oven.

About 15-20 minutes later you will have delicious, juicy chicken:  (Note: do not overcook your chicken, seriously don't do it, get a meat thermometer so you can pull that mess out as soon as it hits 165 degrees)

Serve alongside your favorite side dish, this night it was roasted potatoes with a side salad.  Note, I spoon a little of the juice onto the chicken when serving:

Now for the recipe:

Ingredients:
* 4 boneless skinless chicken breasted (cut horizonately down the middle to create 8 pieces)
* 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
* 8 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. 1. Preheat oven to 450°F Line a baking dish or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or lightly brush with oil.

1. 2. In small sauté pan, sauté garlic with the oil until tender.

1. 3. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. 

1. 4. Season chicken with salt and pepper. .Place breasts in a prepared baking dish and cover with the garlic and brown sugar mixture.

1. 5. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, or until juices run clear. Cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken, use a meat thermometer til internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.