Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker brown sugar garlic chicken promises an effortless meal that’ll become your dinnertime superhero.

Tender chicken pieces bathe in a sweet and savory sauce that melts perfectly with minimal kitchen effort.

garlic lovers will swoon over the rich, caramelized notes dancing through each succulent bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create such complex flavors without hours of preparation.

Minimal chopping and just a few pantry staples make this dish a weeknight champion.

Weeknight stress disappears when you can rely on this foolproof recipe that practically cooks itself.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this surprisingly elegant yet completely approachable chicken dish.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Highlights

• Simple one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
• Tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Easily shredded chicken works wonderfully over rice, in tacos, or as a standalone main dish, providing flexible meal solutions for different preferences.
• Slow cooker method means less dish washing and more enjoyment, with all ingredients cooked together in one convenient appliance.

What Goes into Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat as the base of the dish.

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami flavor.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic essence.
• Honey: Contributes additional natural sweetness.
• Ketchup: Offers tangy and rich base.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Gives optional spicy kick.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce thickener.
• Green Onions: Fresh topping for final presentation.

Slow Cooker Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Ketchup
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a tantalizing sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Layer Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Sauce

Pour the whisked sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a generous coating.

Use a spoon or spatula to ensure complete coverage.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with rich, sweet-savory flavors.

Step 5: Create Sauce Thickener

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.

This will help thicken the sauce and give it a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker sauce about 30 minutes before serving.

Continue cooking on high until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delectable meal!

Smart Tips for Garlic Chicken

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and richer flavor during slow cooking.
• Toast sesame seeds or add a splash of rice vinegar to enhance the sauce's complexity and bring out deeper umami notes.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match your heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.
• Let chicken marinate in sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking to help ingredients penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce texture when thickening.

Store Garlic Chicken the Right Way

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing meat from becoming tough.

Garlic Chicken Pairing Guide

• Enhance Sweet and Tangy Chicken Feast
• Pair With Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white jasmine rice soaks up the rich, caramelized sauce perfectly, creating a balanced bite with each spoonful.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Riesling or slightly sweet Gewürztraminer to match the dish's sweet and savory flavor profile, cutting through the richness.
• Fresh Side Salad Suggestion: Create a light Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and julienned vegetables to provide a refreshing crunch and contrast to the tender chicken.
• Serve With Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets offer a nutritious vegetable component that absorbs the delicious sauce while adding vibrant color to the plate.

Tasty Spins on Garlic Chicken

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-safe and gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap brown sugar with monk sweetener or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content and create a diabetic-friendly version.
• Spicy Lovers' Adaptation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat and more complex flavor profile.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey breast or tofu for different protein options that maintain similar cooking techniques and sauce consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken pieces?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they’re not too thick to cook evenly in the slow cooker.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. Without the flakes, it’s a mild, sweet, and savory dish that most people enjoy.

• Do I need a special type of soy sauce?

Regular soy sauce works great. If you’re watching sodium, you can use low-sodium soy sauce without changing the overall flavor profile.

• What if I don't have sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds depth to the flavor, you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. The dish will still taste delicious, just with a slightly different undertone.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker brown sugar garlic chicken brings sweet and savory flavors dancing together on your plate. Tender meat marinates in rich, caramelized sauce, promising a delightful meal that captures family dinner comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Blend brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes into a vibrant marinade.
2. Arrange chicken pieces in the slow cooker, ensuring they form a single layer.
3. Drench chicken thoroughly with prepared marinade, rotating pieces to coat evenly.
4. Secure lid and slow cook at 200°F for 6 hours on low setting, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender.
5. Approximately 45 minutes before serving, create a cornstarch mixture by whisking water into cornstarch until smooth.
6. Gently incorporate cornstarch slurry into cooking liquid, stirring to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
7. Continue cooking uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and develop a glossy, rich consistency.
8. Once chicken reaches optimal tenderness and can be effortlessly pulled apart, transfer to serving platter.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the surface for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Select chicken thighs or breasts based on personal preference, keeping meat tender and juicy during slow cooking.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or extra zesty for different heat tolerances.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that maintains the delicious sauce flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 40
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg