This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is made with just five pantry ingredients, takes only minutes to prep, and cooks into the most tender, flavorful chicken. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to also try my Classic Slow Cooker Chicken and Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken for more family-friendly favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the slow cooker version of one of the most popular recipes on my blog—Brown Sugar Garlic Pork with Carrots & Potatoes. It has the same sweet-and-savory flavor but made with chicken thighs that turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
The best part? It takes just 5 minutes of prep before your slow cooker does all the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 chicken thighs – bone-in, skin-on for the juiciest result
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced – fresh garlic works best
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Prep the chicken: Add chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Toss to coat.
Optional step: For crispier skin, brown the chicken skin-side down in a skillet with a bit of oil before transferring to the slow cooker. If your slow cooker has a sear function, you can do this right in the insert. - Add brown sugar: Flip the chicken skin-side up and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Richer flavor: Swap in dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.
- No liquid needed! Don’t worry if the slow cooker looks dry—chicken naturally releases juices as it cooks.
- Different cuts: You can use chicken breasts, wings, or even a whole chicken with this recipe.
What to Serve With
This chicken pairs perfectly with:
- White or brown rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato wedges
- Fresh salads
The sweet and garlicky sauce drizzles beautifully over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes.
Alternative Cooking Method
No slow cooker? No problem!
- Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan, season, and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
- For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts
With just five simple ingredients, this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, delicious, and makes dinner stress-free.