Crockpot Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken
This crockpot chicken is perfect for those who want a comforting meal without fussing over complicated steps or endless cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Cook Time On High Heat 2 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 310 kcal
Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Knife & cutting board
Tongs or spoon
Optional: Rice Cooker
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Drying the chicken first helps it absorb the brown sugar and garlic mixture better.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the ingredients are evenly combined.
Pro Tip: Make sure the brown sugar isn’t clumpy—break up any lumps with your fingers before mixing.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
Pour the brown sugar and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken.
Pro Tip: Tilt the crockpot slightly and spoon sauce over each piece to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Avoid lifting the lid too often; the slow cooker needs the trapped steam to cook the chicken properly.
Pro Tip: If using chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly as they tend to cook faster.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Place the chicken on a serving plate or over rice.
Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—it keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: ~15g
- Sodium: ~650mg
nutritional value (per serving, approx.)?
-
Calories: ~310
-
Protein: ~30g
-
Carbohydrates: ~18g
-
Fat: ~12g
-
Fiber: <1g
-
Sugar: ~15g
-
Sodium: ~650mg
Keyword brown sugar and garlic chicken, crock pot, crockpot brown sugar and garlic chicken