Quick Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot Recipe Magic

Tucking tender chicken into a crockpot with sweet garlic creates a mouthwatering meal that melts in your palate.

Aromas will soon fill your kitchen with irresistible comfort.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a delectable dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite promises rich, complex flavors that dance between sweet and savory notes.

the magic happens when minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction.

Minimal prep means you can set everything up and walk away, returning to a perfectly cooked meal.

Craving an effortless dinner that impresses?

This recipe has you covered from start to finish.

Why Crockpot Garlic Chicken Is So Tasty

• Crockpot method eliminates complicated cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sweet and savory combination of garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish everyone will love.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this chicken works wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or salad, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep solution.
• Uses simple pantry staples and requires minimal preparation, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and stress.

Ingredients for Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Garlic: Provides sharp and aromatic flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize.
• Soy Sauce: Brings savory depth and umami.
• Vinegar: Balances sweetness with tangy notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness.

• Cornstarch: Helps create smooth and glossy sauce texture.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright finishing touch.

How to Cook Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Dry the chicken thighs completely using paper towels.

Sprinkle a light layer of black pepper over each piece to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Load Crockpot with Chicken and Sauce

Transfer the chicken thighs directly into the crockpot.

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours.

If you’re short on time, use high heat for 3-4 hours.

The chicken is ready when it becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Sauce Glaze

Remove the chicken from the crockpot.

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.

Create a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce, simmering until the mixture thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serving

Drizzle the glossy sauce over the chicken or return the chicken to the thickened sauce.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve alongside your preferred side dish while hot.

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Chicken

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure better sauce absorption and prevent watery texture.
• Customize red pepper flakes amount to match your heat tolerance, from mild to extra spicy according to personal preference.
• Use cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps, whisking constantly while simmering for smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
• Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to complement the sweet and tangy chicken flavors.
• Prepare marinade night before and store in refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save morning cooking time.

How to Store and Reheat This Crockpot Meal

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the sauce separate to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
• Carefully pack chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a tablespoon of broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Great Sides for Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Pair Sweet Garlic Chicken with Zesty Jasmine Rice: Create a fluffy jasmine rice side that complements the sweet and savory chicken flavors, absorbing the rich sauce perfectly.
• Elevate with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that cuts through the chicken's richness and balances the sweet-garlic profile.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful roasted vegetable mix featuring bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to add freshness and textural contrast to the tender chicken dish.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Offer warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy counterpoint to the soft, tender chicken.

Variations for Garlic Chicken Flavors

• Honey Ginger Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey and add fresh grated ginger for a bright, zesty flavor profile that enhances the chicken's natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the savory depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, reducing carbohydrate content for keto and low-carb diet followers.
• Spicy Thai-Inspired Version: Incorporate coconut milk, lemongrass, and green curry paste to transform the recipe into a Thai-style chicken dish with complex, aromatic undertones.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours to prevent drying out, as breasts are leaner than thighs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder version. Start with a small amount if you’re sensitive to spice.

• Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the Crockpot?

No, this recipe doesn’t require pre-browning. Simply pat the chicken dry, season, and place directly into the Crockpot with the sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simmering with rich flavors, sweet garlic chicken brings comfort from your slow cooker’s warm embrace. Tender meat infused with garlic’s depth promises a simple yet spectacular meal that delights hungry families seeking effortless culinary magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 to 2.5 pounds (907 to 1134 grams) chicken thighs (boneless, skinless preferred)

Flavor Components:

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup (66 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then lightly dust with freshly ground black pepper.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by vigorously whisking minced garlic, rich brown sugar, savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, zesty red pepper flakes, and additional black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Arrange chicken thighs evenly in the crockpot, ensuring they are not overcrowded, then cascade the prepared marinade uniformly over the meat.
4. Slow cook the chicken on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until the meat becomes fork-tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
5. For an enhanced sauce consistency, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan.
6. Simmer the sauce over medium heat, gradually incorporating a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, thickened coating.
7. Drizzle the reduced sauce directly over the chicken or serve alongside, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish.
8. Plate with complementary side dishes and serve immediately while the chicken remains warm and succulent.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are completely dry before seasoning to help create a better caramelization and prevent watery sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance, ranging from a light sprinkle for mild flavor to a generous pinch for extra heat.
• For a low-carb version, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or reduce the amount of sugar by half.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing the sauce mixture the night before and storing it in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and intensify overnight.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg