There’s something magical about letting your slow cooker do all the work — and this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken proves it. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll create tender, caramelized chicken that’s coated in a luscious glaze of brown sugar and garlic. It’s the kind of cozy, fuss-free recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. Come dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking — even though your slow cooker did all the work!
Why You’ll Love It
- Five Ingredients: Pantry staples like brown sugar, garlic, and chicken make this meal simple and affordable.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker handle everything — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
- Rich Flavor: Sweet caramelized brown sugar meets savory garlic for a glossy, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite.
- Juicy & Tender: The chicken cooks low and slow until perfectly moist and fall-apart tender.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies — it pairs beautifully with any side dish.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory flavor combo of this comforting chicken recipe.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can brown the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add the Brown Sugar Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken, letting it coat the tops for that golden caramel glaze as it cooks.
- Slow Cook to Perfection Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4 hours) until the chicken is tender and infused with rich, sweet-garlic flavor.
- Serve & Garnish Carefully remove the chicken and spoon the glossy sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for a sweet-heat balance.
- Dark Brown Sugar: For deeper caramel flavor, swap light brown sugar for dark.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless breasts for a leaner option — just reduce cook time slightly to prevent drying.
- Oven Version: Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil briefly for extra caramelization.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juicy texture.
- Don’t add extra liquid — the chicken will release plenty as it cooks.
- For a sticky glaze, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Pair with buttery mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
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 make this with boneless chicken?
A: Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well — just reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes to prevent overcooking. - Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning. - Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes! Add chili flakes or a bit of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy twist. - Q: What sides go best with this?
A: Try serving it with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a weeknight hero — sweet, savory, and deeply comforting. It’s proof that a handful of pantry ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers big flavor with zero stress. Save this cozy chicken recipe to your dinner board so it’s ready when you need it!
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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – Tender, Sweet & Savory Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked with brown sugar and garlic for a sweet, savory glaze that melts in your mouth. Just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep make this an easy, cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with rice or vegetables.
Notes
Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor. For crispier skin, brown the chicken before slow cooking. Great served with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 324mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 19g
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, garlic brown sugar chicken, easy weeknight dinner, crockpot recipe, sweet savory chicken