There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of dinner already done. My Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is that kind of cozy, comforting recipe — the kind that fills your kitchen with warmth and delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken coated in a sweet-savory caramelized glaze. With just five simple ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but couldn’t be easier to make. Set it, forget it, and let your slow cooker do the work. This one’s definitely worth pinning for later!

Why You’ll Love It

Just five ingredients — all pantry staples you already have on hand.
Sweet and savory perfection — brown sugar caramelizes with garlic for an irresistible glaze.
Hands-off cooking — your slow cooker takes care of everything while you go about your day.
Family-approved flavor — tender chicken thighs that even picky eaters love.
Versatile serving options — delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Smells amazing — your kitchen will fill with cozy, homey aromas all day long.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients

5 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix gently so each piece is coated evenly.
Add the sweetness Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the chicken. As it cooks, it melts into a luscious glaze that coats every bite.
Cook low and slow Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy. The natural juices and sugar create a glossy sauce that tastes like a savory caramel.
Optional – Crisp the skin For golden, crispy skin, broil the chicken on a lined baking sheet for 3–4 minutes after slow cooking.
Serve and enjoy Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and spoon the sauce over top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for heat.
Honey Garlic Twist: Swap half the brown sugar for honey for a richer glaze.
Smoky BBQ: Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking.
Whole Chicken Option: Rub the same seasoning blend over a whole chicken and cook for 6–7 hours on low.

Tips from Chef Emma

Don’t add any extra liquid — the chicken releases plenty as it cooks.
If your slow cooker has a sear setting, brown the chicken first for extra flavor.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
Double the recipe for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 308
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugars: 14g
Fat: 19g
Protein: 19g
Sodium: 324mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work too — just reduce cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to prevent drying out.
Q: Do I need to add any liquid?
A: Nope! The chicken naturally releases juices that mix with the sugar and garlic to create a perfect glaze.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it into the cooker in the morning.
Q: What sides go best with this recipe?
A: Fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables are all wonderful pairings for this sweet and savory chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is pure comfort on a plate — juicy, flavorful, and unbelievably simple. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The sweet garlic glaze makes every bite memorable and family-approved. Save this recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready for your next easy dinner night!