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Sweet Garlic Chicken

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

With hardly any work, this slow cooker recipe gives you the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The garlic, brown sugar, and spices create a rich sauce that gently coats the tender chicken thighs, making it a guaranteed hit. Let it cook all day for a warm, comforting dinner.

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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 17:25:39 GMT
Close-up of glossy chicken thighs in a dark sauce topped with green onion pieces. Pin it
Close-up of glossy chicken thighs in a dark sauce topped with green onion pieces. | tasteofsavor.com

I've got a go-to dinner you'll want to make again and again. Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is pure comfort—only five things needed. The meat gets crazy soft and that sweet garlicky glaze is out of this world. Seriously, your crew will gobble this up.

What Makes This Amazing

Ever have one of those overload days where you wish dinner just cooked itself? This is it. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and forget about it until it's chow time. The chicken always comes out juicy and, trust me, that sauce works on anything—rice, potatoes, you name it.

What You’ll Need

  • Main Player: Chicken thighs—bone in or out—stay really moist.
  • Sweetness: Brown sugar makes that sauce sticky and rich.
  • Don’t Skip This: Lots of fresh garlic, minced up—makes all the difference.
  • Salty Boost: Soy sauce balances out all the flavors.
  • Add Some Heat: Red pepper flakes if you want spicy vibes.
Bowl of sticky meatballs with fresh herbs sprinkled on top swimming in a savory glaze. Pin it
Bowl of sticky meatballs with fresh herbs sprinkled on top swimming in a savory glaze. | tasteofsavor.com

How To Whip Up Your Chicken

Kick Off With Sauce
Dump brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper flakes (if using) into the slow cooker—give it all a mix.
Chicken Goes In
Lay chicken thighs inside, flipping them so they're nice and saucy.
Let It Work
Lid on. Cook on LOW 6-7 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours until super tender.
Serve It Up
Pull the chicken out, pour plenty of that awesome sauce over, and plate with your favorite sides.

Best Tips To Nail It

Go with fresh garlic every time—skip that jarred kind. Want it fiery? Crank up the red pepper or squirt in some sriracha. Sometimes I throw a few orange slices on top for a fresh, citrusy pop at the end.

Keeping Leftovers

Tuck any leftovers in the fridge—they’re good for three days. Planning to freeze? Let things cool first, then stash for up to three months. Just move it to the fridge overnight when you're ready to eat.

Awesome Combos

This chicken loves being piled on mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or next to roasted veggies. Switch up the chicken cuts or drop in some onions and bell pepper if you want—it’s super adaptable.

Big bowl of sticky glazed chicken thighs scattered with fresh herbs, sitting on fluffy rice. Pin it
Big bowl of sticky glazed chicken thighs scattered with fresh herbs, sitting on fluffy rice. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute boneless thighs?

Absolutely, though you'll need to cut the cooking time by an hour or two since boneless thighs cook faster. They might be a little less juicy than bone-in ones.

→ Is hot sauce necessary?

Not at all! It’s totally up to you. A little heat is nice, but the dish is still tasty without it. Adjust the amount based on your liking.

→ Why should I leave the skin on?

The skin helps keep the chicken super juicy. If you like it crisp, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving—it adds a great crunch!

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix the sauce and add the chicken to the slow cooker pot the night before. Store it in the fridge overnight and start cooking the next day.

→ How do I crisp up the chicken skin?

After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy skin. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Sweet Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with garlic, brown sugar, and smoky spices. A quick and easy option for your weekday meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
420 Minutes
Total Time
430 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 thighs)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
02 For the sauce:
03 6 cloves of garlic, minced up.
04 1/3 cup packed brown sugar.
05 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
06 Optional: 1 tablespoon of hot sauce.
07 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
08 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
09 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
10 For topping:
11 Chopped green onions.
12 Sesame seeds.

Instructions

Step 01

In the slow cooker, mix minced garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if you like heat.

Step 02

Put the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and make sure they're fully coated in the sauce. Keep the skin facing up.

Step 03

Set to LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 04

For extra crispy skin, pop under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.

Step 05

Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the top.

Notes

  1. If using boneless thighs, shorten the cooking time.
  2. You can prep everything the night before and chill.
  3. Skip the hot sauce for a less spicy version.
  4. Broiling adds a nice crisp to the skin.

Tools You'll Need

  • A slow cooker.
  • Measuring tools, like cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains sesame (from sesame oil).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 493
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 23 g