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Comfort comes easy with this garlic chicken cooked low and slow with brown sugar. The tender chicken thighs soak up a rich and slightly sweet garlic sauce. It’s a simple dish that smells amazing and pleases everyone at the table.
I whipped this up first on a busy weeknight when I needed something hassle-free. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors get. Every bite feels cozy and filling.
What You’ll Need
- Skinless boneless chicken thighs, 2 pounds: easy to shred and super tender
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup: gives that rich, sweet caramel flavor
- Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: adds a salty, savory punch; low sodium works well
- Minced garlic, 1/4 cup: fresh for a bright garlicky taste
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: pulls the flavors together and adds richness
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: balances sweetness and brings out flavor
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: adds gentle warmth
- Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): gives a little spicy kick without overpowering
How To Make It
- Mix Up The Sauce
- Grab a bowl and stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sugar mostly melts and everything blends well.
- Layer The Chicken
- Set the chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over so each piece gets nicely coated, letting the flavors seep in while cooking.
- Slow Cook Till Tender
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking makes the chicken fall apart easily and thickens the sauce, bringing out big flavor.
- Shred And Dish Up
- Use two forks right in the cooker to shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce. Serve it hot over rice, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes.
I once took this to a family potluck and it vanished fast. Everyone wanted to know how to make it.
Storage Ideas
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water if the sauce thickens too much. It freezes well too if you pack it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Great for quick meals later on.
Swap It Up
Want leaner chicken? Use boneless breasts instead of thighs but expect it to be less juicy. Try tamari instead of soy sauce to skip gluten but keep all that umami flavor. For a fun twist, stir in some pineapple juice or fresh ginger to brighten things up.
Side Dish Ideas
Serve it with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce’s sweetness and savoriness. Pair with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to keep it balanced. A fresh salad with tangy dressing cuts through the richness nicely for a full meal.
This one’s a reliable hit that brings cozy vibes to your meals. It’s super easy and full of deep flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Will chicken breasts work instead of thighs?
You can use breasts, but thighs stay juicy and soft better when cooked slowly, so they usually turn out nicer.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
About 30 minutes before it's done, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it in to thicken things up.
- → Can I spice this up more?
Yep, just toss in more red pepper flakes if you like it hotter. Add as much as you want.
- → What sides go well with this chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies all go great with this sweet and savory chicken.
- → Is it okay to prep this dish in advance?
You can get the chicken and sauce ready ahead of time, then cook it in the slow cooker right before eating for fresh flavors.