Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken (Print Version)

Slow-cooked chicken glazed with brown sugar, soy and garlic for a tender, sweet-savory weeknight dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Brown Sugar Garlic Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - Chopped fresh parsley
09 - Sliced green onions

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the chicken breasts in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks or slice into portions. Spoon the accumulated sauce from the slow cooker over the top.
06 - Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce practically makes itself and turns into a glossy glaze that tastes like you spent hours reducing it on the stove.
  • It uses pantry staples you probably already have which means no emergency grocery runs.
02 -
  • Do not lift the lid during cooking because every peek adds about 15 minutes to the cook time and lets moisture escape.
  • If you want a thicker sauce transfer the liquid to a small pot and simmer it for 5 minutes on the stove after the chicken is done.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker so the sauce does not get watered down by excess moisture.
  • Use a liner in your slow cooker for the easiest cleanup you have ever experienced after a saucy meal.

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