Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a savory and sweet dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. The combination of rich brown sugar and aromatic garlic creates a delightful glaze that not only coats the chicken but also enhances the dining experience. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to wow family and friends, making it a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe
There’s something truly magical about slow cooking, especially when it comes to chicken. The slow cooker infuses the chicken thighs with a multitude of flavors and transforms them into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight. The brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory garlic and smoked paprika. What’s more, you can customize it to suit your taste. It’s a set-and-forget meal that requires minimal preparation and comes together seamlessly, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Plus, the presentation is as good as the taste; a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds gives it a beautiful finish.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tantalizing dish:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Directions
Creating Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy and straightforward process. First, gather your ingredients and ensure everything is ready to go. In a large crockpot, combine the minced garlic, packed brown sugar, sesame oil, optional hot sauce, smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. It’s important to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well-blended. This mixture will serve as your flavorful sauce, enveloping the chicken in a symphony of sweet and savory notes.
Next, take the chicken thighs and place them into the crockpot, ensuring the skin side is facing up. Gently coat the chicken with the sauce mixture that you’ve just prepared, making sure it’s evenly applied. This will help the chicken to absorb the flavors and keep it moist during the slow-cooking process.
Now it’s time to set your slow cooker. You can choose to set it to LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. If you opt for the LOW setting, you can feel at ease knowing that the chicken will be perfectly cooked and full of flavor at dinnertime.
Once the cooking time has elapsed and your kitchen is filled with the most mouthwatering aromas, your chicken is ready to serve. If you want to elevate this dish even further, you can preheat your broiler for a few minutes and broil the cooked chicken. This step will add a delightful crispiness to the skin, providing a nice contrast to the tender meat.
When serving, take the chicken out of the crockpot and place it on a platter. Make sure to generously drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken for an added burst of flavor. Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a touch of elegance. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a medley of steamed vegetables.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is as enjoyable as preparing it. Consider placing the chicken on a large serving platter to showcase the beautifully glazed pieces. Drizzling some of the sauce from the crockpot over the chicken not only enhances its appearance but also intensifies the flavor. For a complete meal, serve the chicken alongside a fragrant bowl of steamed white or brown rice, which acts as a perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce.
You can also complement this dish with a fresh vegetable side. Steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a simple salad can balance the richness of the chicken. Don’t forget to have extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on hand for guests who may want to add more garnish. This dish looks colorful and inviting on the plate, making it perfect for family dinners or company.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
Select the Right Chicken: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is essential for capturing that juicy flavor. The skin keeps the moisture locked in, which is crucial for tender meat.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add a little more brown sugar. Conversely, if you prefer less sweetness, decrease the amount to suit your palate.
Timing Matters: Depending on your slow cooker, times may vary. It’s a good idea to check the chicken a bit earlier if you’re using the HIGH setting, especially to avoid overcooking.
Broiling for Crispiness: If you decide to broil the chicken for a crispier texture, keep an eye on it. Broilers can cook quickly, and you don’t want to end up with burnt skin.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for at least five minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist bite.
How to Store Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this scrumptious dish, storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious. Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Properly stored, Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled chicken into a freezer-safe container, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
When reheating, you can use the microwave or stove, but be cautious not to overdo it, as overcooking will dry out the chicken. A pinch of water or chicken broth can be added while reheating to maintain moisture.
Variation of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
One of the great things about Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the versatility it offers. Here are a few variations you might consider when preparing this dish:
Add Vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding vegetables to the slow cooker. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas can cook beautifully alongside the chicken, absorbing the sauce and adding extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash more of your favorite hot sauce. This will elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
Substitute Proteins: While chicken thighs are delicious, you can also use chicken breasts or wings. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may differ.
Sodium Alternatives: If you’re watching your salt intake, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce in place of Kosher salt. This will maintain the umami flavor without the extra sodium.
Sweetness Level: You can experiment with different sweeteners. For example, maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar to create a different flavor yet maintain the essential sweetness.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
What is the cooking time for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
You can cook your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, depending on how quickly you need it ready.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may cook faster. Check them at around 3 hours if using the HIGH setting.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
No, it’s not necessary. However, browning the chicken first can add additional flavor and color. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Can I freeze leftovers of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze your leftovers! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container and consume them within 3 months for the best results.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a side of steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with a salad for a lightened-up option.
With this guide, you can create delicious Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delectable flavors that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on) Essential for juicy flavor
- 6 cloves garlic (minced) Aromatic and flavorful
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed) Adds sweetness
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil For added richness
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional) To add heat
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt Or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Or to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish) For color and freshness
- Sesame seeds (for garnish) For crunch and decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients and ensure everything is ready.
- In a large crockpot, combine minced garlic, packed brown sugar, sesame oil, optional hot sauce, smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Place chicken thighs into the crockpot, skin side up, and coat evenly with the sauce mixture.
Cooking
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, check for doneness and remove the chicken.
- If desired, broil the cooked chicken for a few minutes for added crispiness.
Serving
- Place chicken on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
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