Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Directions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture will look thin, but it will thicken later.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside, keeping it warm.
  6. Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and place it over high heat.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
  8. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
  9. Remove the sauce from heat and let it sit for 1–2 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  10. Return the chicken to the sauce or drizzle the glaze over the chicken before serving. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and richer flavor.
  • Swap apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a slightly milder tang.
  • Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra texture and sweetness.
  • For a deeper savory note, replace half of the soy sauce with low-sodium teriyaki sauce.

Serving Suggestions

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