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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

This easy slow cooker recipe transforms chicken thighs into a sweet and savory meal with minimal effort. The combination of brown sugar, garlic, and smoky paprika creates a rich sauce that perfectly flavors the tender chicken. Just set it and forget it for a delicious dinner.

Paolina baker
Updated on Sunday 24 November 2024
A close-up view of tender, glazed chicken thighs garnished with chopped green onions in a dark sauce.
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A close-up view of tender, glazed chicken thighs garnished with chopped green onions in a dark sauce. Pin it
A close-up view of tender, glazed chicken thighs garnished with chopped green onions in a dark sauce. | Quickierecipe.com

Sweet Garlic Chicken Magic

Let me share my favorite easy dinner recipe with you. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is pure comfort food magic and only needs five ingredients. The chicken turns out so tender and that sweet garlicky sauce is absolutely incredible. Trust me your family's going to love this one.

Why This Recipe Works

You know those crazy busy days when you need dinner to make itself? This recipe is your answer. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. The chicken comes out perfectly juicy every time and that sauce oh my goodness it's good with everything from rice to potatoes.

Simple Ingredients Needed

  • The Star: Chicken thighs either bone in or boneless they stay super juicy.
  • Sweet Magic: Brown sugar creates the most amazing caramelized sauce.
  • Must Have: Fresh minced garlic don't skimp here.
  • Savory Touch: Soy sauce gives it that perfect depth.
  • Optional Kick: Red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with chopped green herbs in a savory sauce. Pin it
A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with chopped green herbs in a savory sauce. | Quickierecipe.com

Making Your Chicken

Mix The Sauce
Throw your brown sugar garlic soy sauce and pepper flakes if using right in the slow cooker give it a good stir.
Add Your Chicken
Pop those chicken thighs in and flip them around to get them all coated.
Let It Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 until that chicken is perfectly tender.
Time To Eat
Take out your chicken drizzle with that amazing sauce and serve it up with your favorite sides.

Tips For Best Results

Fresh garlic makes such a difference in this recipe don't use the jarred stuff. Love things spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or some sriracha. Sometimes I throw some orange slices on top near the end it adds such a nice fresh twist.

Saving For Later

Pop any leftovers in the fridge they'll stay good for about 3 days. Want to freeze it? Let it cool then store it up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight when you're ready to eat it again.

Perfect Pairings

This chicken is amazing over steamed rice mashed potatoes or with some roasted veggies. Sometimes I use different chicken pieces or throw in some bell peppers and onions it's super flexible that way.

A bowl of glazed chicken thighs garnished with herbs, served over a bed of rice. Pin it
A bowl of glazed chicken thighs garnished with herbs, served over a bed of rice. | Quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, but cooking time may need to be reduced by 1-2 hours as boneless thighs cook faster. They won't be quite as moist as bone-in.

Is the hot sauce really optional?

Yes! It adds a nice kick but the dish is still delicious without it. You can adjust the amount to your spice preference.

Why keep the skin on?

The skin helps keep the chicken moist during cooking and can be crisped under the broiler before serving for extra texture.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes, mix the sauce and combine with chicken in the slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight. Start cooking in the morning.

How do I make the chicken skin crispy?

After slow cooking, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

A simple but delicious slow cooker chicken dish combining sweet brown sugar with garlic and smoky paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
420 Minutes
Total Time
430 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 thighs)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on.
02 For sauce:.
03 6 garlic cloves, minced.
04 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed.
05 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
06 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional).
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
08 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
10 For garnish:.
11 Green onions, chopped.
12 Sesame seeds.

Instructions

Step 01

In slow cooker: Mince garlic, add brown sugar, sesame oil, hot sauce if using, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Add chicken thighs to the slow cooker and coat completely in sauce. Place chicken skin-side up.

Step 03

Set slow cooker to LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Step 04

Optional: broil briefly for crispy skin.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  1. Can use boneless thighs but reduce cooking time.
  2. Prep the night before and refrigerate.
  3. Hot sauce is optional for a milder taste.
  4. Broiling at end makes the skin crispy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy (sesame oil).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 493
  • Total Fat: 36g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
  • Protein: 23g