How long does Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken last in the fridge?

This chicken dish will last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating for best results.

Can you freeze Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I substitute for brown sugar in Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?

Coconut sugar makes an excellent substitute for brown sugar in this recipe. It has a similar rich, caramel-like flavor but a lower glycemic index. You won't taste any coconut flavor in the final dish. Honey or maple syrup can also work, though they'll create a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker for this recipe?

No, you don't need to add any liquid to the slow cooker. While it might seem strange to cook chicken without liquid, the chicken will release its own juices during cooking, creating enough moisture to keep everything tender and prevent burning.

How do you know when Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it's tender enough to easily shred with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in most slow cookers.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs will cook in about 4-5 hours on low, while chicken breasts may only need 3-4 hours to prevent drying out.

How can I thicken the sauce for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time and stir well. Alternatively, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Description

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while absorbing the caramelized garlic and brown sugar glaze, making it a family favorite for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup brown sugar
8 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. For extra flavor, sear the skin side in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the slow cooker (optional).
In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper until combined.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Add to the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving and stir gently.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, brown sugar, garlic, easy dinner