Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic

This slow cooker brown sugar garlic chicken is the answer for those nights when you crave a hands-off homemade dinner everyone loves. Simple ingredients come together to transform chicken into melt-in-your-mouth bites with a golden sweet glaze and garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen. All you do is prep for a few minutes and let your slow cooker do the rest.

I have made this for potlucks and family dinners and it disappears so quickly. Once I even set this up before work and came home to the best-smelling house ever.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs with skin and bones: give the best flavor and keep the meat moist look for firm pink flesh without gray patches
• Minced garlic: brings a big savory punch use fresh cloves if you can for the most robust aroma
• Kosher salt: enhances the other flavors steer clear of table salt for a better balance
• Black pepper: adds a subtle warmth use freshly ground for the brightest scent
• Brown sugar: creates the signature caramelized glaze pack it firmly to get the perfect amount and try to use a soft moist variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build the Flavor Base:

Nestle the chicken thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer with the skin side facing down at first Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the chicken then sprinkle on both the Kosher salt and black pepper This lets the seasonings soak right into the chicken

Mix and Arrange:

Gently toss the chicken so it is evenly coated with the seasonings and garlic Flip each thigh so the skin side is now facing up This makes sure the skin crisps and caramelizes at the end

Add the Brown Sugar:

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each piece of chicken Do not mix it in You want the sugar to stay on top and slowly melt into a glaze as it cooks

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover and set your slow cooker to High for four hours or Low for eight hours Resist lifting the lid Give the chicken time to gently cook in its own juices until tender and the skin is golden and sticky

Finish and Serve:

Once the time is up carefully lift the chicken out with tongs Spoon some of the garlicky brown sugar sauce over the top for extra flavor Serve hot over rice mashed potatoes or with your favorite vegetables

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My favorite part about this dish is the way the sugar and garlic fuse together to make a sticky sauce. I remember my little nephew sneaking bites off the platter before dinner because he loved the caramelized pieces so much.

Storage Tips

Let the chicken cool completely then transfer to an airtight container It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat place pieces in a baking dish and cover with foil then warm in a low oven so they stay juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have brown sugar try using honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness and a little extra moisture. Boneless thighs or even drumsticks will work too though bone in keeps the meat moister.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs well with fluffy white rice buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option serve over a crisp salad with the warm sauce as a dressing.

The Roots of This Recipe

Slow cooker sweet-and-savory chicken dishes like this one have long been popular in American home kitchens because they offer lots of flavor for very little work. The technique of mixing sugar with garlic and cooking meat slowly creates a sticky almost barbecue style glaze that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can boneless chicken be used for this dish?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts will work, but keep in mind the texture may be different and cooking time may slightly decrease. Watch for doneness to avoid overcooking.

→ Is it necessary to keep the skin on the chicken?

Skin-on chicken provides extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist during slow cooking, but skinless chicken can be used if preferred.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then set to cook when ready.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness and savoriness.

→ Does this meal store well for leftovers?

Yes, cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to retain moisture and flavor.