Sweet Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken for Easy Weeknights

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken delivers sweet and savory perfection for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals at home. This dump-and-go recipe requires just 10 minutes prep before your crockpot transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, glazed perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep Sundays when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Love More Recipes? Try My Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken or this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just 5 ingredients – Pantry staples create restaurant-worthy results
• Kid-approved flavor – Sweet glaze wins over picky eaters every time
• Tender and juicy – Slow cooking prevents dry chicken breasts
• Versatile serving options – Works over rice, noodles, or with vegetables

Equipment Needed

• 4-6 quart slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅔ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• Green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Brown sugar: Creates sweet caramelized glaze. Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses flavor than light variety.

Soy sauce: Use low-sodium to control saltiness. Regular soy sauce makes dish too salty with reduced cooking liquid.

Fresh garlic: Provides robust flavor that jarred garlic can’t match. Six cloves isn’t too much for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in slow cooker in single layer. If pieces are thick, pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil in bowl until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Cook

Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring pieces are coated. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or high 2-3 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

Remove chicken and tent with foil. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into sauce. Cook on high 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Slice chicken and drizzle with thickened sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Add red pepper flakes for spicy kick
• Reserve some sauce before thickening for dipping
• Double batch and freeze extra for future meals

Tips & Variations

Protein swaps: Use pork chops or chicken thighs with same cook times.

Asian-inspired twist: Add ginger and a splash of rice vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice or [Internal link: Cauliflower Rice] for low-carb option. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas.

Common Mistakes

• Don’t overcook – Chicken dries out past 165°F
• Don’t skip thickening – Sauce will be too thin otherwise
• Avoid overcrowding – Single layer cooks more evenly

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

White or fried rice soaks up sweet glaze perfectly. Asian-style vegetables or simple cucumber salad add fresh crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, add 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Don’t exceed 165°F internal temperature and use low setting rather than high.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for thickening.

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