Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is bound to impress anyone at your table. You can prepare this meal in your trusty slow cooker, allowing you to go about your day while it cooks to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to culinary success.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to love. For starters, the combination of brown sugar and garlic creates an irresistible glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, giving it a delectable sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory elements. The hands-off cooking approach is another major highlight; simply toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re free to focus on other tasks. Plus, the use of chicken thighs ensures the meat remains tender and juicy, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet is simple enough for any home cook to master.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Directions
Creating your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is as straightforward as it gets. Start by grabbing a large crockpot and place it on a stable surface. In the crockpot, combine the minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, hot sauce (if you’re opting for that spicy kick), smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix the ingredients together until everything is perfectly blended. This sauce will serve as the magical layer of flavor that envelops the chicken.
Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in the crockpot, ensuring they are skin-side up. Use a pair of tongs or your hands to carefully toss the chicken in the sauce mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated on both sides. This glazing step helps infuse the chicken with the incredible flavors of garlic and brown sugar.
Once your chicken is well coated, it’s time to set your slow cooker. If you’re looking to have this meal ready after a long day, set it on LOW for about 7 hours. Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can set it to HIGH for around 4 hours. No matter which setting you choose, the slow cooking process will ensure that your chicken turns out tender and flavorful.
As the cooking time nears its end, you can take an optional step to enhance the dish visually and texturally. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Once your chicken has finished cooking, take it out of the slow cooker and place the pieces on a baking dish. Broil them for just a few minutes to crisp up the skin, giving you that restaurant-quality finish. After just a brief broil, your chicken is ready to be served!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Serving your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an exciting part of the meal. Once you’ve broiled the chicken for that extra crispy finish, plate it with care. You can place the chicken on a large platter and drizzle some of the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over it for added flavor.
To elevate your presentation, add a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top of the chicken. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
You can serve this chicken alongside steamed rice or quinoa, as they both soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad will nicely round off the meal, providing a crisp contrast to the sweet and savory chicken. Your guests will be amazed by the vibrant flavors and delightful textures.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
To make the most out of your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, consider these expert tips. First, if you want to enhance the flavor profile, marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours (or even overnight) before cooking can elevate the taste even further.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to experiment with the type and quantity of hot sauce you use. Different sauces have varying heat levels, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. Additionally, don’t hesitate to get creative with the seasonings. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a hint of ginger can add depth to the dish.
During the cooking process, keep the lid on as much as possible. This ensures that steam remains trapped inside the slow cooker, which helps the chicken stay moist and tender. If you’re in a hurry and decide to cook on HIGH, check the chicken’s doneness a little earlier to avoid overcooking.
How to Store Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken can be stored easily. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within the next few days. Properly stored, your leftovers can last for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
If you want to keep your chicken for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It’s best to separate the chicken pieces if possible, so you can easily thaw and reheat the exact amount you need. Frozen chicken can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it in the oven or on the stovetop.
Variation of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This recipe is versatile, allowing for various delicious adaptations. For a vibrant twist, you could add vegetables to your slow cooker alongside the chicken. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas cook beautifully and will soak up the flavors of the sauce, turning the dish into a well-rounded meal.
If you want to cater to different dietary preferences, consider using bone-in, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You’ll still enjoy the wonderful glaze, but the cooking time may need adjustment since breasts can cook faster than the thighs.
For those who love the taste of citrus, adding orange or lemon juice to the sauce can provide a fresh, zesty kick. You might even consider adding some zest for an added flavor boost. Feel free to experiment with different types of sugar as well; coconut sugar or brown sugar blends can offer unique variations to the sweetness of this dish.
FAQ
What kind of chicken is best for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe, as they remain tender and juicy during cooking. However, chicken breasts can also be used, but adjust cooking time to avoid over-drying them.
Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas can enhance the dish and incorporate more nutrition. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
How long should I cook Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken on LOW and HIGH settings?
Cook on LOW for about 7 hours or on HIGH for approximately 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Timing may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
What should I do with leftovers of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat.
Can I use different sauces for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of hot sauce or even teriyaki sauce to diversify the flavor of your chicken. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of the dish.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional) For a spicy kick
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the large crockpot on a stable surface.
- In the crockpot, combine minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the crockpot and use tongs to toss them in the sauce until well-coated.
Cooking
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for about 7 hours or HIGH for around 4 hours.
- Optional: Preheat the oven’s broiler towards the end of cooking.
- Once cooking is finished, transfer chicken to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
Serving
- Plate the chicken on a large platter, drizzling some remaining sauce over it.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or quinoa and vegetables on the side.
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