If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit with the whole family, then look no further than this Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken. This recipe combines the irresistible sweetness of brown sugar, the tang of vinegar, the savoriness of soy sauce, and a subtle hint of garlic that all come together to create a delicious glaze for tender chicken. With the added bonus of slow cooking, the chicken practically falls apart, making this meal a hassle-free and tasty option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why Crock Pot Cooking?
Slow cookers, also known as Crock Pots, have revolutionized how we approach cooking in the modern kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, using a slow cooker can save you time, effort, and energy. It allows you to prepare meals in advance, letting the Crock Pot work its magic while you focus on other tasks. This cooking method ensures that your food stays moist and tender, infusing flavors deeply throughout the dish.
For this recipe, the slow cooker’s low and slow approach is perfect for making the chicken juicy and flavorful. The sauce has plenty of time to marinate the chicken, creating a rich flavor profile that’s savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. The bonus is that this Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe is highly adaptable. You can modify the ingredients to your taste, and it pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-6 chicken breasts – Whether you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, the slow cooking process will ensure they are tender and juicy.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar provides a rich sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the savory elements of the dish.
- 2/3 cup vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar, while also tenderizing the chicken.
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda – This ingredient might sound unusual, but the soda adds a subtle citrus flavor and helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- 2-3 tablespoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and sharpness that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, rounding out the flavors and creating an umami-rich base.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper – Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste and adds a mild spice to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons corn starch – Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, turning it into a glossy glaze that sticks to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons water – This is used to dissolve the cornstarch and form the thickening slurry.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a touch of heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Directions for Cooking
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Begin by spraying the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom. This will also make cleanup easier later on. - Add Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Whether the chicken is frozen, thawed, or fresh, it will cook beautifully in the Crock Pot. If you’re using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw it before placing it in the slow cooker. - Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will infuse the chicken with its sweet and savory flavors as it cooks. - Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated. The sauce will surround the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and tender while cooking. - Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken will cook until it’s incredibly tender and easy to shred or serve in whole pieces, depending on your preference. - Remove the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. At this point, the chicken should be so tender that it may fall apart. Set it aside on a plate and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce. - Thicken the Sauce:
Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the sauce, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. - Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to come to a boil and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens into a glossy glaze. The sauce should be syrupy and able to coat the back of a spoon. Remove it from the heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to continue thickening as it cools. - Add Spice (Optional):
For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the finished dish. This will add a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the sauce. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender chicken breasts with the thickened sauce drizzled on top. This dish is perfect when paired with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or baked potatoes. The sauce is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for dipping or drizzling over your side dishes.