Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is your answer! This easy-to-make recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a hands-off cooking experience that allows you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without the stress.
What is Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker?
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker is a simple and delicious dish where chicken thighs or breasts are slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while the sauce infuses it with a rich and sweet-savory flavor.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of garlic and brown sugar – a promise of a comforting and satisfying dinner awaits. Ready to simplify your dinner routine? Give this recipe a try and experience the effortless deliciousness it offers!
Key Ingredients for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker:
- Chicken Thighs/Breasts: 2-2.5 lbs, boneless, skinless (thighs recommended for maximum flavor and tenderness)
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (low sodium recommended to control saltiness)
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (freshly minced is best for optimal flavor)
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (adds depth and umami flavor)
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening the sauce at the end)
- Water: 2 tablespoons (optional, to mix with cornstarch)
- Green Onions: 2-3, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker:
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! After a few hours, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to enjoy. The sauce is thick and savory, perfectly complementing the juicy chicken. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the slow cooking time is approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Place the cooked chicken back into the slow cooker. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker:
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is a total game-changer because it’s incredibly easy and delicious. The slow cooker does all the work, creating tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Plus, making it at home is a huge money-saver compared to ordering takeout. You control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it a healthier and more budget-friendly option.
The star of the show is the amazing glaze – the combination of brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce creates a wonderfully sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly addictive. Thinking about trying another easy chicken recipe? Check out our Honey Garlic Chicken recipe for a similar, equally delicious experience. It’s just as easy to make and packed with flavor! Ready to ditch expensive takeout and enjoy a satisfying home-cooked meal? Try this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe tonight!
What to Serve Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken With:
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even fried rice are excellent options for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Noodles: Egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) provide a delicious and satisfying complement.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and vibrant element to the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
- Quinoa: A nutritious and versatile grain that complements the flavors of the chicken.
Top Tips for Perfecting Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add Heat: For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder, as the flavor will not be as intense.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): For added flavor and texture, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will create a beautiful crust on the chicken.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have Apple Cider Vinegar, you can use white vinegar. If you don’t have brown sugar, you could use honey and reduce the amount slightly.
5 Facts about Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken:
- It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover garlic.
- The recipe is adaptable to various cuts of chicken, even drumsticks
- Brown sugar adds a distinct caramel-like sweetness that regular sugar can’t replicate.
- Slow cooking helps the chicken absorb all the flavors of the sauce
- It can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the leftover Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place a portion of the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and sauce to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is the ultimate solution for a flavorful, effortless, and budget-friendly meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with tender and juicy chicken, is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken FAQs:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during slow cooking. If using chicken breasts, consider reducing the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Add hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker along with the chicken. They will cook alongside the chicken and absorb the delicious sauce flavors.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, you can bake this recipe in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the slow cooker? To prevent sticking, you can spray the bottom of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding the chicken and sauce.
- The sauce is too sweet, what can I do? Add a bit more soy sauce and apple cider vinegar to counter the sweetness, adjusting to your personal taste preferences. A squeeze of Dijon mustard can also help balance the flavors.