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⦠untilâ¦
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 youâre thinking of a new slow cooker, consider it if your budget is open.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs
- 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
I used garlic salt and left out the salt.
This was so easy and delicious. Definitely making this a go-to meal for busy weeks. Thanks for the recipe!
For the brown sugar garlic slow cooker chicken. Do you need to add any liquid in the slow cooker like water or something
No, the chicken will release liquid through the cooking process. Don’t add anything additional. Enjoy!
I was moving too fast and used two tablespoons of garlic powder. I see in another post you recommend no more than 1/2 teaspoon. Anything I can do at this point?
Oh no! How did it turn out? Hope you still enjoyed it!
Hello,
I have a question… can this be used if i have 7 small chicken thighs?
As long as the slow cooker doesn’t get over crowded, you’ll be fine.
Hi! In spite of my reservations about the sugar content i took the leap. Did it in a baking pan in my toaster/convection oven because i was rushed for time. Only extras were red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of a local sauce (i am in Costa Rica) that is akin to Worcestershire. It turned out incredible: crisped garlicky-sweet skin. Moist and delicate meat. Sent it to friends raving about it. Wonderful, totally recommend!
My son said it was the best meal I’ve ever made
and he is a foodie!!!
I’m making this right now and idk if it’s coming out right?
So sorry I’m just now seeing this! How did it end up? What were your concerns?
I am not a good cook, and I don’t really enjoy cooking – AT ALL. This recipe was so simple to make, but was so good that I didn’t have enough for everyone to have all that they wanted. I’ve done Blue Apron, and I’ve tried to follow other recipes, but I just don’t have that much time or patience in the kitchen! Sabrina, my family is thrilled I found your blog and recipes. I’ve made three of the slow cooker chicken recipes so far, and they’ve all been a huge hit. They are all looking forward to me trying more, and I am too because I don’t feel like I’m chained in my least favorite room in our house.
I loved reading this! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site!
Tried and true! Love this recipe and it was so easy!!
I made this and it was very delicious. Incredibly simple and easy. I added a teaspoon of regular kikkoman soy sauce along with the salt. Mine did not come out like the picture as the skin did not brown, more like braised. And the skin and bone fell apart but I did not know that would happen, otherwise I would have been more careful. I served it with brown rice and some peas. Will definitely make it again. Thanks.
I’m using the boneless chicken beast bag from Costco and thawing out the chicken breast … I don’t have bacon so what can I use !?
Others have used breasts with no issue so you might be ok not using bacon. Just be careful to watch the cook time so they don’t dry out.
I cut up an entire chicken and make it just like the recipe states…my vegetarian son tried it and ate two helpings! Fantastic. I cooked it on high in slow cooker for 5 hours and served it over red potatoes.
Is this recipe using skin on and bone in chicken thighs?
Yes 🙂
Made this tonight. It was AMAZING!! Def a keeper.
I used chicken tenders, how long will it take on low?
I’m not sure chicken tenders will work for this recipe. I’m concerned they would dry out.
Hey can I cook this on low at 6 hours? Will it be done?
If your slow cooker runs hot, it may be done but I suggest low for 8 hours.
Made the garlic brown sugar chicken this evening, the garlic is not overwhelming at all but think I would add more brown sugar. Good taste and turned out just like the picture
Your recipes all sound so yummy. Luckily my 8 yr old grandson is willing to try new dishes as long as not too Spicy ?. He lives with me.
Is there any stock in this?
Nope 🙂
Hi. CAn i use skinless filleted chicken thighs?
I don’t recommend skinless because of it drying out. If you do decide to use them, I would wrap them in bacon to keep them moist during the cooking process.
Do you have a recommendation on working this up for a instant pot recipe?
I haven’t tested it using one so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation. You might be able to find a recipe online with similar ingredients using one and follow that. Sorry.
I used boneless/skinless chicken breast and wrapped them in bacon. It was delicious!! I filleted the chicken, cooked on low for 5 1/2 hours, and then broiled for about 3 minutes to brown the bacon.
Hi,
Mine came out great but the oil is yellowish instead of brownish. And it’s not as caramel-ly as i thought it should be. Should i add more sugar to it??
Yes, I’d say you either needed more brown sugar or maybe the chicken was just too full of solution. Was it previously frozen?
Hi sabrina,
No it wasn’t frozen. The chicken was perfect. Moist and so delicious that my wife and kids asked me to make it again. More sugar it is. I even already used a dark brown sugar. Lol!
This was so delicious. I am so happy to have another easy, phenomenal slow cooking recipe in my weeknight arsenal. Thank you!
Do I add any fluids
No need to add anything additonal from the recipe card. 🙂
Hi making this for dinner tonight
If the skin doesnt crisp up, can i put the lid a jar for the last hour or put in the oven when they are completly done
Yes and you can even pop it under the broiler for just a bit too…but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. I hope you enjoyed it!
Sorry. Made the chicken way too sweet. Might try it with pork which is naturally sweet.
I used chicken tenders and omg was it AMAZING
Thanks for dropping back by to let me know how much you enjoyed it!
I made this, but changed it up. I heated oil in a pan and seared the chicken skin side down. After finished I poured it all in the crockpot..I poured 2 cups of chicken stock in that same pan and thickened it a bit to pur into the crock pop. Yum!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
Im sorry, it was bland and mo taste. True there were juices from chicken but my family didn’t care for it.
Just wondering out of all the comments and have this cooking in my slow cooker now, what does everyone do with all the liquid/sauce that this dinner makes?
You can always spoon it over your chicken before serving. 🙂
I would give it 3 star. I poured a half can of beer in the crockpot and it helped to make the chicken moist. It had a flavor like baked cafeteria chicken.
You give it 3 stars when you changed the recipe?! You made your own recipe so you’re giving yourself 3 stars it sounds like to me.
I made this with chicken breast wrapped in bacon and it was SO good, will definitely make again! I mixed the brown sugar, salt, pepper and garlic all together and spread over each side of the chicken breast before wrapping in bacon. Made it in the afternoon and just did 3 hrs on high in the crockpot and it came out perfect! So delicious ?
Thanks for the 5 stars! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
If I need to make more than 5 thighs at a time does that require the cook time to be adjusted?
I wouldn’t recommend crowding your slow cooker. If you’re going to make a larger batch, I would either use two slow cookers or make them on a sheet pan in the oven. Hope this helps!
Trying this tonight with boneless skinless chicken breast. Dont have any bacon, so I will be using the olive oil method.
How did it come out?
I messed up this recipe and it still tasted good. First of all, I realized I only had boneless, skinless chicken thighs in my freezer. So I used those. I don’t eat bacon, so I didn’t wrap it to hold in moisture. Then Mom and I had to run some errands, and I forgot that I was cooking in the Crock Pot on high, so didn’t have as much time as I thought and we got back a little after 4 hours had passed. There was a slight burnt scent in the kitchen and I was worried it was going to be inedible. Thankfullly, it was just a couple pieces were blackened only on the side where the chicken touched the edge of the slow cooker and I guess the brown sugar liquid got stuck and burned to the side of the ceramic (which was a pain to get clean, but was good as new after using But the rest of the pieces were fine. It was a little dry on the top of the thigh where the skin would have been if I hadn’t had skinless, but it was moist on the inside and the flavors went through the chicken very well. It was delicious! My mom was visiting and she liked it too and asked me to print the recipe for her to take home with her. We decided it had a flavor similar to (but better than) the Bourbon Chicken at those mall food court restaurants. I would have liked a stronger garlic flavor, so I will add a bit more when I make it again, and I’m definitely making it again!
I want to try this tonight! What did you sprinkle on top of the chicken that is green?
I just used parsely as a garnish, definitely not required but looks pretty 🙂
I made this about a month ago with the oven roasted carrots and potato wedges… It was so delicious! My parents loved it so much that they requested I make it again and are coming to dinner tomorrow. This time I’m going to put the carrots and potato wedges in the crock pot with it. What do you think?
I would recommend making them separately as you don’t want to crowd the slow cooker.
Did you have to add liquid when you add the veggies ? do i still put everythingin at the same time?
Hi Sabrina,
I plan on making this tomorrow while I am at work. I will be using boneless skinless chicken breasts. Do you think I will be ok with cooking them on low for 8 hours?
I don’t recommend using boneless skinless in the slow cooker. It tends to dry out. If you do decide to use them, I would drape bacon over them to try and keep them moist while cooking.
Can U use legs instead of thighs?Sabrina, can I use drumstcks instead og thighs ??
Yes but I would recommend having the drumsticks propped up around the slow cooker instead of laying flat. Make sure the thicker part of the drumstick is facing down. Hope that makes sense.
This is just fall-off-the-bone delicious. I was a little heavy handed with the sugar and pretty disappointed that I had barely enough garlic. I think someone asked in an earlier post if this was too sweet. I didn’t think it was too sweet at all. Those that want more of a tang could add siracha when it’s being served. I wish I could have added more garlic – I usually use at least 1.5x what recipes call for, but nonetheless it was great. The skin really did crisp up and there is a TON of “juice” after cooking for 8 hours. Making it for the second time as I type 🙂
Definitely a winner!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Just made this for dinner last night and it is my new favorite slow cooker chicken recipe! I would have never thought to use brown sugar with chicken but holy moly is this delicious!! I did also add a tiny bit of chicken broth into the slow cooker as well and it was amazing! The best thing about it is it’s so simple and doesn’t require a million different ingredients that I’ll never use again. Thanks so much for sharing this, I look forward to making this again for many times to come!
So glad you enjoyed it!!
I just found ur website & this yummy looking recipe. Have read all comments but didn’t understand if l make a large recipe of boneless skinless chicken breasts in the oven, you said to use foil. I would definitely use under the chicken to catch the juices but should l cover also? I think that would prevent the browning?? Also do l need to wrap with bacon when cooking in the oven?? Thanks in advance for your help.
No need to cover it while cooking because yes, that would prevent browing. I would still wrap it with bacon to ensure it stays moist….plus, I love bacon 🙂
Did you mince fresh garlic? I have minced garlic in a jar and wonder how if I use two tablespoons of that or a different amount?
I used fresh minced garlic. In my opionion, you can never really have enough garlic but you could use less if you think it might be too garlicky for you.
This dish is fabulous. Hard to believe it has this much flavor with so few ingredients. I made it the first time for just me and my husband about a month ago. It was so good I just put a “double the recipe” version on for guest coming this evening. The only changes I made to the recipe (this time and last) is I browned the chicken first and added hot pepper flakes for a little kick. That along with the garlic balances out the sweet nicely. I serve with Rice-a-Roni and carrots.
Great ideas for adding a little spice and for the sides! Thanks, Peggy!
What about a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use a whole chicken for this recipe 🙂
If using a whole chicken and cooking on High how long do you suggest the cooking time be?
4 hours on high. 🙂
It it ok to brown the chicken on each side to give it a crispier taste? Or would it not work?
I always recommend putting it under the broiler at the end if you want it crispier. Enjoy!
I agree with the person ALL THE WAY ABOVE! For Gods sake, stop asking the same crap over and over! You have got to be kidding… read comments! If I was Sabrina? I would not answer more than a few times… Not only that, I despise comments on a recipe they’ve made changes to! At least make it first the way you’re suppose to, comment, then go on your own as you wish. I just wasted lots of time reading the same things multiplied x10! I will definitely be making this hopefully very soon!
adding a little bit of soy sauce and ginger to the recipe really upgrades it to a dominique wilkins-level slam dunk
This was just delicious! Chicken was fall-off-bone tender and so tasty. It’s a definite “do again” recipe, but next time – a double batch for second helpings. Thank you!!!!?
This looks so good- i have never used a crock pot before so this will probably be the first recipe i try- but can I cook it with potatoes? Like can I throw them in there with it?? Thanks!
You don’t want to overcrowd the slow cooker with potatoes. I would recommend making them separately.
This looks amazing! Can you make this same recipe with potatoes and carrots in the pot as well?
I would recommend making them separately. You don’t want to overcrowd the slow cooker or you will lose the crispiness of the chicken.