Discover your new family favorite: this delectable Candied Chicken recipe features succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that will have everyone, especially the kids, asking for seconds!

If you’re a fan of this irresistible sweet and savory combination, you’ll also adore these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes or our classic Monte Cristo Sandwich.

Candied Chicken: A Sweet, Tangy, and Unforgettable Family Meal

Life in the kitchen often follows cycles. Some weeks, I find myself drawn to culinary adventure, eager to explore new techniques, unusual ingredients, or bold flavor combinations that push the boundaries of my usual repertoire. It’s an exciting phase, full of creative experimentation and unexpected discoveries.

Then, there are those other times – and I find myself in one of those comforting periods right now – when all I crave is the familiar. The cherished tastes of childhood, the aromas that evoke warmth and nostalgia, and the simple, hearty dishes passed down through generations. My current obsession involves diving deep into old family cookbooks, seeking out recipes that resonate with sweet memories and promise a return to culinary roots. So, don’t be surprised if you see a delightful parade of beloved childhood favorites making their debut here on Taste and Tell!

This Candied Chicken recipe is a shining example of such a discovery, unearthed from the pages of one of my treasured family cookbooks. While I don’t distinctly recall eating this specific dish growing up, it has certainly become a staple in my sister’s household for many years. Its reputation precedes it, often eliciting “mmmms” and requests for more from her family, and now, it’s ready to do the same for yours.

What Makes Candied Chicken So Irresistible?

“Candied Chicken,” you might ask with a raised eyebrow. I admit, it’s not your everyday dinner – the hint of sweetness is definitely present! However, this isn’t about literal candy; it’s about transforming ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary treat. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken bathed in a lusciously sweet and tangy sauce that’s utterly addictive. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you want to truly spoil your family with something special, ensuring every plate is cleaned with gusto.

The magic lies in the sauce: a harmonious blend of brown sugar, tangy ketchup and mustard, savory Worcestershire, and a touch of fresh onion. This combination creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully around the chicken during baking, infusing it with layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. Serve this glistening chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, generously spooning extra sauce over the top, and you’ll understand exactly why this recipe is pure heaven.

SEE HOW TO MAKE IT HERE:

Watch the video above for a quick visual guide on just how effortlessly this Candied Chicken comes together.

Crafting the Perfect Candied Chicken: Tips for Success

Making Candied Chicken is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable:

• Choose Your Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, this recipe also works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Ensure your chicken pieces are relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking. Pounding thicker breasts slightly can help.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the flour-dusted chicken in a skillet before baking is crucial. It adds a beautiful golden crust, locks in moisture, and builds an extra layer of flavor that can’t be achieved by simply baking. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
• The Sauce is Key: The sauce is a star in its own right. Don’t be shy about basting the chicken every 20-30 minutes during baking. This helps the sauce caramelize evenly and keeps the chicken moist, ensuring every bite is coated in that luscious glaze.
• Adjust Sweetness/Tanginess: Feel free to tweak the sauce to your family’s preference. If you like it a bit tangier, a splash more mustard or even a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar could work. For more sweetness, a little extra brown sugar can be added, though be mindful not to overdo it.
• Patience is a Virtue: Baking time can vary significantly based on the thickness of your chicken. Always cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The longer cooking time also allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Candied Chicken

This Candied Chicken is incredibly versatile. While serving it over rice is a classic choice, allowing the rice to soak up all that delightful extra sauce, here are a few other ideas to complete your meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the bold sauce.
• Steamed Green Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a fresh, healthy counterpoint. A light steam will keep them crisp and vibrant.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes, roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, would complement the sweetness of the chicken beautifully.
• Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing element.
• Noodle Dishes: Serve alongside a simple egg noodle dish for a different texture profile.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken, check out these other family-approved recipes:

Artichoke Chicken
Potato Chip Chicken
Chicken Pepperoni

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Candied Chicken

4.67 from 3 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
6 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
American

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This Candied Chicken is sure to be a family favorite – chicken breasts are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce that leaves the kids begging for more!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 lbs total)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bag and shake well to evenly coat each piece of chicken with the seasoned flour mixture.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil. Once hot, brown the flour-coated chicken in the pan for 3-5 minutes per side until golden. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, adding more oil as needed. Transfer the browned chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, ketchup, yellow mustard, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until well combined and smooth. Pour this sweet and tangy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken generously with the sauce every 20 to 30 minutes during baking to ensure it stays moist and develops a beautiful glaze. Serve hot, preferably with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Video

Recipe Notes:

This beloved recipe was shared by my sister, who has been making it for her family for years.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/6 of recipe,
Calories: 591kcal (30%),
Carbohydrates: 56g (19%),
Protein: 49g (98%),
Fat: 9g (14%),
Saturated Fat: 1g (6%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 110mg (37%),
Sodium: 617mg (27%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 54g (60%)

Keywords:
candied chicken, sweet chicken, tangy chicken, family chicken recipe, easy dinner, chicken breast