Introduction

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that melts in your mouth. With minimal prep and tender chicken cooked low and slow, it’s an easy recipe ideal for busy days or hearty family meals.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. This creates a sweet and savory sauce.
Step 2: Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker, avoiding too much overlap to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece well by gently tucking the sauce between them.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to form a slurry.
Step 6: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Continue cooking on high for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 7: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish and serve your flavorful chicken.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier, more tender meat.
If you don’t have ketchup, tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar makes a good alternative.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken more upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and safety. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the sauce and chicken on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, covered, until the chicken is tender. Be sure to check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 594 reviews

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ketchup, and sesame oil. The dish is finished with a thickened glaze and garnished with fresh green onions, making it an effortless and flavorful meal perfect for busy days.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Thickening Slurry

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish

Chopped green onions

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. This sweet and savory mixture will be the flavorful base for your chicken.
Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spaced out to promote even cooking.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, gently tucking it between the pieces so each piece is thoroughly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Prepare Thickening Slurry: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and continue cooking on high for 30 more minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Garnish and Serve: Once thickened, sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish before serving your delicious brown sugar garlic chicken.

Notes

You can use chicken breasts or thighs according to your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
Serve this dish over rice or steamed vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
To make the sauce thicker or thinner, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry accordingly.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken, easy slow cooker recipes, sweet and savory chicken