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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Category: Chicken & Turkey Done Right

With just a few ingredients, this slow cooker dish makes chicken thighs flavorful and tender. Sweet brown sugar, rich garlic, and a smoky touch blend into a silky sauce. Let the cooker handle dinner for you!

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Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:19:39 GMT
Golden-brown chicken thighs glazed in sauce, topped with green onions. Pin
Golden-brown chicken thighs glazed in sauce, topped with green onions. | thefamilycooks.com

Delightful Garlic Chicken Wonder

I gotta tell you about my go-to easy dinner. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is pure dinnertime wonder with just five things needed. The meat gets so soft and that sticky sweet garlicky mix is just mind-blowing. You'll see - your whole crew will ask for seconds.

What Makes This So Good

Ever have those super hectic days when you wish food would cook itself? Here's your solution. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away. The chicken turns out juicy every single time and that sauce - wow - it tastes amazing with everything from spuds to grain sides.

Basic Stuff You'll Need

  • Main Player: Chicken thighs work best as they stay really moist, with or without bones.
  • Sweet Element: Brown sugar makes an awesome sticky coating.
  • Can't Skip: Fresh chopped garlic is key here.
  • Flavor Boost: Soy sauce adds that perfect rich taste.
  • Extra Zing: Red pepper flakes for folks who want some spice.
A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with chopped green herbs in a savory sauce. Pin
A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with chopped green herbs in a savory sauce. | thefamilycooks.com

Cooking Steps

Get The Sauce Ready
Put your brown sugar garlic soy sauce and chili flakes if you want them straight into the slow cooker and mix well.
Put Chicken In
Drop those chicken thighs in and turn them around so they get covered all over.
Cook Away
Put the lid on and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 until the chicken falls apart easily.
Ready To Serve
Grab your chicken pour that yummy sauce over top and enjoy with whatever sides you like.

Tricks For Success

Real garlic chunks work way better than the stuff from jars. Need more heat? Toss in extra pepper flakes or some hot sauce. I sometimes add orange pieces toward the end for a fresh twist.

Storing Extras

Any leftovers can go in the fridge and they'll last about 3 days. Want to save it longer? Let it cool down then freeze for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight when you're ready to eat it again.

Great Side Options

This chicken tastes awesome on top of plain rice fluffy mashed potatoes or next to some oven-roasted veggies. You can also switch up the chicken parts or add some sliced peppers and onions if you want.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I switch to boneless thighs?

Absolutely! Just shorten the cooking time by an hour or two since boneless thighs cook faster. They may turn out less juicy than bone-in ones.

→ Do I really need the hot sauce?

Not at all! It adds a little spice, but the dish still holds up great without it. Feel free to tweak the amount to your liking.

→ Why keep the skin on the chicken?

The skin locks in moisture while cooking. For extra crunch, broil it after cooking for a few minutes before serving.

→ Can I prep this a day ahead?

Yep! You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken in the slow cooker pot. Refrigerate overnight, then cook it fresh the next day.

→ How can I crisp up the chicken skin?

After cooking, pop the thighs under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet garlic-brown sugar glaze and smoky seasonings. Cooked low and slow, perfect for a no-fuss dinner.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
420 mins
Total Time
430 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Poultry

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 4 Serves (4 thighs)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 4 bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on.
02 Here's what you'll need for the sauce:
03 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
04 A packed 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
05 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
06 Optional: A tablespoon of hot sauce for spice.
07 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
08 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
09 A pinch — 1/4 teaspoon — of black pepper.
10 Toppings are optional but add flavor:
11 Sliced green onions.
12 Sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Chop up the garlic, then toss it in the slow cooker with brown sugar, sesame oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if you're using it.

Step 02

Put the chicken in the slow cooker, coat it all with the sauce, and make sure the skin side faces up.

Step 03

Let it cook in the slow cooker on HIGH for about 4 hours or LOW for 7-8.

Step 04

For a golden, crispy top, stick the thighs under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.

Step 05

Sprinkle on some chopped green onions and sesame seeds right before digging in.

Additional Notes

  1. Boneless thighs work too, but shorten the cook time.
  2. You can throw this together the night before and keep it in the fridge.
  3. Leaving out the hot sauce makes it less spicy.
  4. A quick broil crisps up the skin beautifully.

Essential Tools

  • A slow cooker.
  • Measuring spoons and cups.

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains soy (from sesame oil).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 493
  • Fats: 36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 23 g