Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. Reduce cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to keep them tender. Wrapping them in bacon can help retain moisture.

Do I need to add any liquid to the slow cooker?

No, the chicken naturally releases enough liquid while cooking, creating a flavorful sauce. Adding extra liquid may dilute the glaze and change the texture of the dish.

How can I make the chicken skin crispy?

To achieve crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step enhances the texture without affecting the flavor.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Description

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, made with just five pantry-friendly ingredients. The chicken slow-cooks to tender perfection while the brown sugar caramelizes, creating a rich, sticky glaze. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Add the Brown Sugar: Flip the chicken so that the skin side is facing up, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. As it cooks, the sugar will create a delicious glaze.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently to keep the heat consistent. The chicken will release its own juices, so no additional liquid is needed.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the skin isn’t as crispy as desired, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the chicken before serving. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to prevent overcooking.
For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
If adding vegetables, place them underneath the chicken to absorb the flavorful juices. Carrots and potatoes work best.
To make this dish spicy, add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 308 kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 324mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0.1g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 111mg