Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs with a delightful balance of savory garlic and sweet brown sugar. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days when you want something comforting without a fuss.

Ingredients

• 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Mix the ingredients gently, then flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the chicken.
4. Step 4: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Optional: For extra crispy, browned skin, sear the chicken skin-side down in a pan with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. If your slow cooker has a sear function, you can use that instead.
6. Optional: Serve with fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top for a touch of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for the most flavor and tenderness; boneless can be substituted but may cook faster.
• Try adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.
• For a thicker glaze, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before pouring it back over the chicken.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the chicken moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but the cooking time may be shorter and you won’t get the crispy skin. Keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

Browning the chicken first adds extra flavor and crispiness to the skin, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and the dish will still be delicious.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 81 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 5 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory garlic brown sugar glaze. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, this dish lets the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in juicy chicken with a hint of crispy skin if seared beforehand.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for searing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chicken.
2. Optional Searing: For a crispier skin, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in a pan with about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for a few minutes until browned. Alternatively, use the sear function on your slow cooker to brown the skin directly in the pot.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Mix the chicken and seasonings in the slow cooker, then flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up.
4. Add the Brown Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the packed light brown sugar over the top of the chicken thighs.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or cook on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

• For crispier skin, sear chicken before slow cooking either in a pan or using the slow cooker’s sear function.
• You can adjust the amount of brown sugar for more or less sweetness.
• Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps keep the chicken juicy during slow cooking.
• Serve with your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

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

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker dinner