Description
This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked low and slow with a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic glaze. The method allows the chicken to become juicy while the brown sugar caramelizes slightly on top, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
Seasoning & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker along with the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, evenly distributing the seasoning over the chicken.
- Optional searing for crispy skin: For more brown, crispy skin, you can brown the chicken skin-side down in a pan with about 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for a few minutes before placing them in the slow cooker. Alternatively, use the sear function if your slow cooker has one.
- Arrange chicken: Mix the ingredients in the slow cooker gently, then flip the chicken so the skin is facing up to allow the brown sugar to caramelize properly on top.
- Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances the flavor and texture of the skin.
- To vary the recipe, add a dash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture retention.
- Adjust salt and sugar levels to taste if preferred less sweet or salty.
