Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken made with just five ingredients, you can set it in minutes and have the perfect weeknight meal!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the slow cooker chicken version of one of the most popular recipes on my blog of all time, Brown Sugar Garlic Pork with Carrots & Potatoes.
Or if you’re looking for a slow cooker pork version of this recipe (minus the veggies and plus some bacon) here it is! Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin
Some notes about this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken:
- Yes, you can absolutely make this meal in the oven. Set it on a sheet pan just like you would in the slow cooker and roast at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes (you may want to use foil).
- Want some spice? Add in crushed red pepper or a squirt of Sriracha.
- If you want an even deeper caramel flavor, try dark brown sugar.
- Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids.
- Serve with rice or potato wedges and roasted vegetables.
You can also swap out different cuts of chicken in the slow cooker.
- Try using Chicken Breasts (brownie points for draping bacon on them to keep the chicken moist).
- Double the topping and toss chicken wings with the same topping and cook for 6 hours on low.
- Try rubbing a double topping amount over an entire chicken propped up on some foil balls to keep the chicken out of liquid.
Looking for more slow cooker chicken recipes?
- Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken
- Crisp & Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Looking for more awesome Brown Sugar Garlic Recipes?
- Brown Sugar Garlic Oven Baked Pork Chops
- Brown Sugar Garlic Pork with Carrots and Potatoes
- Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Loin
Tools Used in the making of these Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs:
Slow Cooker: Love this slow cooker and how programmable it is, it has been a workhorse for me… until…
My New Slow Cooker: This recipe was made in this slow cooker. For larger roasts I also brown the meat in the insert and not lose a bunch of the flavor by transferring the meat and leaving the browned bits behind. If you’re thinking of a new slow cooker, consider it if your budget is open.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs , skin on, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup brown sugar , packed
Instructions
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Mix it up then flip the chicken skin side up.
- Sprinkle on the brown sugar.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Nutrition
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Okay let me start by saying I LOVE garlic, I even add a tiny bit extra. I tried to make this years ago with chicken breasts and it was not anything special. Here we are later and can’t think of anything to make, came back to this recipe that I had saved in Pinterest and tried it with the thighs as suggested. I will say, it doesn’t look like the picture suggests, but SO GOOD I make this once a week now and everyone loves it. My only question would be be if it’s okay to stack them on top of each other when trying to make a bigger batch?
Layering will require a different recipe. Eliminates crispy skin and liquid would need to be added to ensure that all the layers would be cooked through. Let us know what you decide.
What would the cook time be for boneless, skin-on thighs?
Generally 3 – 4 hours on high heat boneless chicken.
Sadly my chicken looked nothing like the picture, and I was disappointed. For us it was too much garlic.
Oh no Marie. I’m sorry you were disappointed. We have MANY Slow cooker chicken recipes. Perhaps a different one would work better for you?
This recipe sounds delish! Has anyone tried making it with “swerve” brown sugar or any of the other sugar replacements?
My chicken looks nothing like yours and I followed the recipe exactly! The brown sugar seemed to melt off. Did you put yours under the broiler?
How about rubbing a double topping amount over the chicken and prop up on some foil balls to keep the chicken out of liquid next time?
I would love to try this recipe however I only have chicken legs (thighs with the drumstick attached… Not sure what this is properly called!). I’ve never cooked chicken in a crock pot and am kind of scared. Do you have a recommendation on how many legs /how long at what temperature? Very excited to try this. Thank you!
Lay your chicken pieces in the bottom of your crock pot just lightly touching and you should be fine. Let us know how your recipe turns out!
I haven’t tried it yet, but I only have boneless, skinless chicken breasts…how does that change the recipe?
Also if I wanted to add some veggies (peppers, carrots) when/could I add them to the crock pot?
What’s the green I see in the picture of the recipe?
Chopped parsley
Love this recipe! I’ve made it a few times and it’s always perfect! I want to try it with chicken breasts as your notes suggest, but does the bacon crisp in the slow cooker at all? My family isn’t a fan of floppy bacon lol
Thank you!!!
No, the bacon wrapped chicken doesn’t “crisp” the bacon in the slow cooker.
I can’t really give a rating yet because it is not done, but mine is not looking dark like the picture. Do I have to cook it longer for it to be darker?
If you want an even deeper caramel flavor, try dark brown sugar.
Hi! I’ve never done something in my crockpot with no liquid? Are you adding water or chicken broth? Or just putting in all those dry ingredients?
Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids
This was my question as well.
Hi Kristoffer! Did you happen to try the recipe. I know it’s seems counterintuitive to not add liquid but I think you may be surprised at how good this recipe is! Let us know if you decide to try it.
Oh my goodness!!! This has to be the best recipe for thighs hands down!! Juicy, savory, tender!!! I will be making these more!!!!???
So good to hear Sandi and thanks for the five star review!
I just threw my thighs in the crockpot and realized they are boneless and skinless Less time you think? Thank you!
Yes, less time. I would check the inner temp (165 degrees) 20 or so minutes early.
Thank you! This is my go-to when I’m short on time to prep the meal but still want a healthy dinner. My family loves it! I just add steamed broccoli and some bread and butter and it’s a delicious week night meal!
You’re welcome Abby and thank you for the five star review!
Hi I’m Roger tried your Slow cooker Garlic Chicken yesterday, I cooked it for about 1/2 hrs, and the meat came right off the bone and the meat was nice and tender I followed the instructions yet they did not look like the picture. Did I miss something?
I don’t think so? I have seen recipes vary depending on the type of Slow Cooker. I’m glad to hear the food tasted nice and tender.
I haven’t tried this yet, but I showed my picky eater teen and she approves of us trying it. Is there a way to crisp up the skin? Do I have to put it under the broiler for a few minutes when done to do so?
Maybe set it on a sheet pan in the oven just like you would in the slow cooker and roast at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes (you may want to use foil). Please let us know how your teen like the chicken!
Any advice on adapting the recipe for Turkey thighs? Do they give off more or less liquid than chicken? I will be without an oven Thanksgiving.
You may want to try my https://dinnerthendessert.com/slow-cooker-rotisserie-chicken-thighs/ and substitute turkey thighs. Let us know what you decided to do and how they turn out! Will you have an air fryer? You could try my https://dinnerthendessert.com/air-fryer-roasted-chicken-thighs/ with turkey thighs. Happy Thanksgiving!
I was pleasantly surprised with the results of this recepi. I will make this again.
I would like to make this today, but have chicken breasts thawed and ready to go. Should I thaw chicken thighs instead? Or will the breasts work fine?
Breast of Chicken will work fine; however, please watch the inner temperature of the breasts to not over cook. As you know breasts of chicken cook faster and are less tender if over cooked.
This looks delicious and may be a stupid question but you suggested putting bacon on top of the chicken to keep it moist. Is it cooked or uncooked bacon?
Uncooked!
I have this in the crock pot right now. The brown sugar isn’t staying on top of the chicken like it looks like in the picture. Is that okay? Is there something I can do to make it stick next time?
Is it the diced garlic you see on the skin? Hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
I want to add carrots and potatoes to my crockpot. Should I up the ingredients ?
A bit more salt and pepper to taste and normally we do NOT add water believe it or not, but your carrots and potatoes will need a bit of liquid to cook. Consider using Chicken Bouillon/water mixture! Let us know how it turns out.
This recipe is so simple and delicious, I am requested to make this often. The flavours are just right and the side dish possibilities are endless. The house always smells so good when this is cooking.
Thank you Dwayne and thanks for the five star review.
My thighs are boneless and skinless. Is that ok or should I add any liquid? Thanks
You could check mid-way to see how much liquid your thighs are giving off and if needed add a little bit of boiling hot chicken bouillon or water. You’re right, there is a lot of liquid in the skin of the thighs.
For all the great reviews you would think this was an amazing dish. It’s not. It lacks flavor. The skin is not crispy, as mentioned. I cooked My chicken in three different crockpots because I have A big family to feed. The chicken did not come out crispy in any of them. I will Say the chicken was very moist. It wasn’t bad but I won’t make it again. My family was not impressed. It was super easy to make though.
Well that’s disappointing for sure. I hope you’ll give our Slow Cooker recipes another chance. Click here to peruse: https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=slow+cooker. Sounds like you’re a pro at cooking with Crockpots.
I am wanting to make this for dinner this week but what kind of sides would you recommend to have with it?
You might enjoy reviewing this recipe for instructions to add carrots and potatoes. https://dinnerthendessert.com/brown-sugar-garlic-pork-with-carrots-potatoes/. Also, I did a search on my recipe index for a few yummy potato side dish options. https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=potatoes. Let me know what you decided to go with and how your Chicken turns out!
Can you use frozen chicken thighs?
It really isn’t recommended. I would use fresh or unthawed chicken thighs.
Do I need to spray with Pam the bottom of my cooker so the thighs don’t stick ? I’m going to make this for our potluck at work. Looks and sound delicious
You can of course, but I didn’t. The thighs release a significant amount of liquid so I haven’t burned them in the slow cooker.
I made this last night and it was such a hit! I used chicken breasts and roughly chopped them up once done and put them back in the juices. Even my picky toddler tried a bite and said it was good. I’ll be adding this to my weekly rotation.
Love hearing about picky toddlers enjoying a recipe! Thanks so much Sarah, and thank you for the five star review.
SO DELICIOUS!!! This will definitely be one of my regular dinners now!! So easy to make!! Thanks for the Recipe!!
You’re welcome and thank you for the five star review Brian!
You do not add any liquid to the slow cooker? No chicken broth? They don’t dry out and burn without liquid? I didn’t see broth in the recipe so I want to make sure before I make this!
Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids. Let us know if you try the recipe and what you think! Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious after I took the chicken out I sprinkled some flour in the chicken juices to make a gravy. Highly recommend. One thing is that I would like to have the skin be more crispy, any recommendations for that or just put them on a pan for a few minutes after they’re done?
Not sure how crispy you like your chicken, Yes, crisping them up on a pan would certainly work. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This is a staple in our home with 4 littles. They ask for it weekly!!! Th aka for sharing
My family does not like heavy garlic flavor. How garlicky are these? Can I reduce it by half and still get a good result? Can’t wait to try this recipe. Sounds delicious and so easy.
I haven’t reduced the garlic in this recipe because we are fans of garlic; however, if you do I would be curious to hear what you think of the recipe!
I made this and put it over rice, it was delicious!! One of my husbands favorites, definitely will make again!??
Yummy! Thank you for the 5 stars and delighted to hear you enjoyed the Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. We love it too!
If you’re doing a serving for six people, how many chicken breasts would you use?
That depends on whether or not your guests/family are big eaters! In our family we typically give the children a 1/2 chicken breast. If everyone is an adult, 6 chicken breasts. Go to the recipe card and hover over the word “Yield” and move the bar from 5 to 6 and the recipe card will update it’s ingredients for 6 chicken breasts. Please let us know how you liked the recipe if you get a chance!
What sides do you have with this?
So many answers to this questions! Take a moment to go to our Recipe Index and browse your favorite vegetable (Green Beans, Broccoli, Potatoes, Corn etc.). You’ll be able to view a plethora of side dish options to enjoy!
Do you use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs?
You can use either. The recipe is tested and timed wit bone in chicken thighs. If you use boneless decrease cooking time by approximately 10 – 15 minutes.
Do you add any liquid?
Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids.
Bone-in, skinless? What kind of thighs with this?
I used thighs with skin and bone-in for this recipe. Let us know what you think!
These recipes look delicious ?
Awesome recipe,! Add about 1 & 1/2 Oz. of Balsamic Vinegar if you’re going with white boneless. Keeps it moist and gives it a bite….
Great feedback!. Thanks Mori!
can you put raw vegetable in with it? (thinking broccoli/ carrots)
maybe when an hour is left? ?
Sure!
Has anyone tried to make this using boneless skinless chicken thighs? If so, what was the cooking time? Thank you! 🙂
Type of Poultry Cooking Times
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1 to 2 hours on Low
Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts 2 to 3 hours on Low
Chicken Thighs 3 to 4 hours on Low
Whole Chicken 4 to 5 hours on Low
Any chance you know how long it will take for boneless thighs?TIA
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quickly, in 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size. Bone-in thighs, however, take a bit more time, between 25 and 30 minutes. Use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the thighs. They’re finished cooking when the temperature reads 165°F
So delicious!! Turns out perfect every time.
So incredibly delicious. We raise our own heritage breed chickens and they can be a bit tough with a different flavor than store bought which puts off my daughter sometimes. She LOVED this recipe. Admittedly I made a couple of very minor changes because of our birds. First, it was skinned which removed most of what little fat they have so I added about five tablespoons of butter to keep some fat in it. Second, I used the whole chicken broken down. Third, I added just a bit of red pepper flakes but I’m not sure it was enough to make a difference. We will definitely be making this again.
Any advice on how to make this in an instant pot? It looks really good.
This looks great but my family won’t eat chicken thighs. Could I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead?
Yes you can. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts will cook faster. Let us know how your chicken turns out!
Can you put the chicken thighs in while frozen or do they need to be thawed?
I would thaw then Ali. Let us know if you try the recipe and how it turned out!
Can one use skinless thighs??
Yes you can!
How much water do you use
Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids.
How much chicken broth would you use for the recipe?
I don’t use chicken broth! Do not add any liquid! I know it can be scary to cook dry in a slow cooker, the chicken will release a lot of liquids.
We loved it! Thank you so much for putting this out there. I don’t ever eat Chicken thighs but now I am in love.
Wow! Impressed with your willingness to try something you never enjoyed before. Thanks so much for the 5 star review!