This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with rich garlic flavor. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a sticky brown sugar glaze with garlic, soy sauce, and butter, making it an easy family dinner that’s perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce.
- Cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the glaze over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy during slow cooking.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the glaze becomes too thick.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms during the last hour.
- Stir in broccoli during the final 20 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Use maple syrup for part of the brown sugar.
- Finish with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice.
- Pair with mashed potatoes.
- Spoon over buttered egg noodles.
- Serve with roasted broccoli.
- Add steamed green beans on the side.
- Enjoy with crusty bread.
Tips
- Brown the chicken before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Avoid opening the lid while cooking.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving for maximum flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently to keep the glaze smooth.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings
Serves: 6
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking.
Is the sauce very sweet?
The brown sugar creates a balanced sweet and savory glaze. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar by 2 to 3 tablespoons.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking until the sauce thickens.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, roasted vegetables, broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad all pair well with the rich garlic glaze.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy crockpot recipe with juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky brown sugar garlic glaze. It’s a comforting family dinner that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to serve for special occasions.
