Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This brown sugar garlic chicken is sticky, sweet, and savory made in the slow cooker with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) Dark brown sugar gives richer molasses notes; light brown sugar keeps it brighter.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if concerned about salt) For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Try not to crowd them so heat circulates evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until the sugar mostly dissolves.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To serve, spoon the sauce over rice or vegetables.
Optional Thicker Sauce
- Remove the sauce to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, or whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce until glossy and thickened.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to 165°F.