Description
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken made in the slow cooker is sweet, savory, sticky, and fall-apart tender. A handful of pantry staples come together to create a bold, flavorful sauce that caramelizes beautifully over juicy chicken thighs or breasts. It’s effortless, versatile, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prep Chicken: Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and broth.
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Combine: Pour sauce over the chicken, coating evenly.
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Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with cold water, stir into sauce, and cook on High for 10–15 minutes uncovered until thickened.
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Finish: Return chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat.
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Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken works too—just extend the cook time slightly.
- Add red pepper flakes or ginger for extra flavor.
- Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Make it ahead: prep and store overnight, then cook fresh the next day.
- Sauce thickens best with a cornstarch slurry added at the end.
