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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then lightly dust with freshly ground black pepper.
- 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.
- Arrange chicken thighs evenly in the crockpot, ensuring they are not overcrowded, then cascade the prepared marinade uniformly over the meat.
- 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.
- For an enhanced sauce consistency, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat, gradually incorporating a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, thickened coating.
- Drizzle the reduced sauce directly over the chicken or serve alongside, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish.
- 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