Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken recipe.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 4-6 chicken breasts *i used 2 lbs boneless/skinless ch
- 1 cup packed brown sugar *i used 3/4 cup
- 2/3 upvinegar *i used apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda *i used sprite zero
- 2-3 tablespoons minced garlic *i used about 1 1/2 t. fresh minced
- 2 tablespoons waterred pepper flakes (optional)
- Carbohydrate 37.9830519585139 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.06989494442676 g
- Fiber 8.12436523969723 g
- Protein 12.8193191734065 g
- Saturated Fat 0.14889828184048 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (518g)
- Sodium 32.108221459529 mg
- Sugar 29.8586867188166 g
- Trans Fat 0.471111676618375 g
- Calories 183 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place chicken (frozen, thawed or fresh) inside slow cooker.
- Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper together.
- Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker and pour remaining sauce into saucepan.
- Place saucepan over high heat.
- Mix together corn starch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well.
- Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down).
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.
- Serve over rice or noodles, or with a baked potato.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've come to rely on my trusty slow cooker to save the day – and my sanity! This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken recipe is my absolute favorite. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and yields incredibly flavorful and tender chicken. The sweet and savory glaze is simply irresistible, and the whole family loves it. I often find myself making a double batch just so we have leftovers for lunch the next day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or intricate techniques involved. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meat. The brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, sweet and savory coating that's both satisfying and addictive. It's a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a potluck.
What I love most about this recipe:
- Ease of preparation: It takes just minutes to throw together.
- Minimal cleanup: One pot wonder! The slow cooker does almost all the work.
- Delicious flavor: The sweet and savory glaze is a perfect balance.
- Versatility: Serve it over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even enjoy it on its own.
- Perfect for meal prepping: Make a large batch and have leftovers for lunches all week.
I've tweaked the recipe over time to create my perfect version. I usually use apple cider vinegar for a slightly more nuanced flavor, and a touch of Sprite Zero adds a subtle fizz without impacting the overall taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar or soda to find your perfect combination. And sometimes, when I'm feeling adventurous, I’ll add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. But even without the extra spice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner.
Tips and variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender meat.
- Add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or onions, to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe to be cooked in the oven.
Beyond the practical benefits, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of cozy nights spent with my family, the aroma filling our home with warmth and comfort. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory maker, a symbol of simple pleasures and delicious moments shared with loved ones. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner, give this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken a try. You won’t be disappointed!
I’ve even started making extra batches to freeze for those nights when I’m truly short on time. It’s my secret weapon against weeknight dinner chaos, and I hope it becomes yours too.
