Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken made with just five ingredients from your pantry. Set it in minutes for the perfect weeknight meal!
This tender, flavorful chicken recipe is the ultimate family meal. For more Slow Cooker Favorites try my Classic Crisp & Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken and Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
Sabrina’s Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This meal is the slow cooker chicken version of one of the most popular recipes on my blog, Brown Sugar Garlic Pork with Carrots & Potatoes. 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
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs , skin on, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar , packed
Instructions
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Note: If you like more brown, crispy skin you can brown the chicken, skin-side down in a pan with about 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for a few minutes before adding to the slow cooker. If your slow cooker has a sear function, you can sear the skin right in 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.
- (Optional) Serve with fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top.
Nutrition
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Table of Contents
About This Recipe
This recipe was made in a slow cooker that has a browning or searing function and the. For larger roasts I also brown the meat in the insert and I don’t 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.
Chef’s Note
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.
What to Pair With
- Serve with white or brown rice or Potato Wedges and Roasted Vegetables. These are some of my favorite sides to pair with this easy meal. You can also just choose your own family favorites. This chicken will go well with so many sides.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
- 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). You can brown the skin under the broiler at the end, if you like.
Variations
- Different Cuts of Chicken: Try using Chicken Breasts (brownie points for draping bacon on them to keep the chicken moist).
- Chicken Wings: Double the topping and toss chicken wings with the same topping and cook for 6 hours on low.
- Whole Chicken: Try rubbing a double topping amount over an entire chicken propped up on some foil balls to keep the chicken out of liquid.
Related Recipes
More Bacon Brown Sugar Recipes
These images were used in previous versions of this post:
Oh man, I loved reading all the comments and responses. This was super helpful. Can’t wait for dinner tonight!
Had anyone tried this with chicken tenderloins instead of full breasts. Wanted to make them for the kids. Wrapped in bacon and baked in oven.
Recommendations.
I have a recipe using them in the oven. Here’s the link: https://dinnerthendessert.com/bacon-brown-sugar-chicken-tenders/
I tried making this. Although I made it with chicken legs and thighs. Unfortunately it didn’t put out much juice. So I ended up with dried out chicken. The taste is still good. And the legs weren’t as dried out as the thighs were
Hi! What cook time would you recommend for 4 bacon wrapped chicken breast? Think I may try this out tonight.
If you have time to make them without the slow cooker use this recipe: https://dinnerthendessert.com/bacon-brown-sugar-chicken/
If you want to use the slow cooker I’d say low for 5-6 hours then broil them for 1-2 minutes with a bit of extra brown sugar sprinkled on.
Can I add red potatoes in the crock pot with this mix?
I would suggest making them separately. Enjoy!
Would this work in a pressure cooker
I’ve never tested it using one so I’m not sure. You might be able to find an online recipe using one with similar ingredients and use that as a guideline. Good luck!
Can I use chicken breast tenders instead of thighs?
They would probably dry out from being smaller and not having any bone or skin to protect it. Sorry
I made mine w chicken breast and it came out juicy, when you’re making the recipe with chicken breast you don’t cook it for a full 4 hours. 2 1/2 is perfect! I served it over rice and green beans on the side
I’m making this tonight and it will be done in 2 hours, I’m so excited to try it. I love your recipes, a lot are budget friendly, healthy and creative. God bless you xx
Can I throw some carrots in there for the side? When would I do that?
I would recommend making them separately.
Hoping someone can as wer this fast as I’m in the middle of prepping… can I use microwavable bacon to wrap around the chicken?
Ok so I made this with boneless chicken thighs and did the aluminum foil balls on the bottom. Put on low expecting to cook for 8 hours per instructions and just checked temp after 3 hours on low and they are already done. Strange. They don’t look anything like the picture and haven’t tasted yet but I guess we will see. Gonna keep them on warm until it’s dinnertime. 5 hrs from now. Kinda scared how these are going to turn out.
I did the same, I didn’t realize it needed to be bone in and skin on, so mine were also done within 3-4 hours. I will keep them on warm as well. Fingers Crossed they will turn out well! I noticed the recipe ingredients does not state bone in and skin on so I bought what I usually get.
I saw you said it’s possible to make this with chicken breast and I could coat them with bacon, but do the cooking times change at all for chicken breast? And also would I still not add water?
Can I try this recipe with boneless/skinless chicken breasts?
Can frozen chicken be used with this??
No, you’ll want to use thawed chicken for this recipe.
Can I add a sweet potato or two in while this is cooking?
Yes but add under the chicken or next to it, not on top. Enjoy!
Why didn’t my chicken get the dark coating ?
You can always place it under the broiler a bit at the end to help solve that. It might have been that your chicken released too much liquid which wouldn’t allow it to crisp up. Hope this helps!
Is it ok to use skinless chicken thighs? Or do you recommend the skin to be on?
I like to use skin on as it protects the meat but you can always take it off before eating if you don’t like it. Enjoy!
Delicious!!!!
I want to try this for dinner but unfortunately, I am a broke college student and I do not have kosher salt. Is it okay to use table salt instead?
Yes, go for it!
Ohhhh GIRL….We just finished up this dish. So simple and when I say 5 stars. That is what I mean. Just so you know, I seldom leave comments, but this was worth the time. Thank you for talking the time to share… Be blessed y’all.. from Eastern NC
I appreciate you taking the time to come back and let me know!
Sooo… before reading the comments about not overcrowding the chicken, I doubled this recipe bc we had a larger pack of thighs and I didn’t want to waste them. Will it just need to be “crisped” in the oven at the end or have I ruined it?
You might be able to save it by placing them on a sheet pan under the broiler to help. How did it turn out?
I’m trying this today as I’m in a clean the house & make dinner mood.
I don’t have minced garlic but I have chopped. Is that going to make a significant difference?
I also have skinless chicken breasts so I’ll be wrapping them in bacon
Because you’re adding it to a slow cooker, it’ll have time to breakdown so it’ll be fine. I hope you enjoy it!
I used his recipe tonight, I used breast instead, it turned out well & my family thought it was goid
Hey!!!
This looks AMAZING!!! I REALLY want to try making this. Usually when I see slow cooker meals I try to get everything done at once bc of busy schedules.
Question: How can I add potatoes and onions or green beans? Will the chicken still be crispy?
Thank you!
If you want the chicken to be crispy, you’ll want to cook the side dishes separately. Otherwise, they’ll release too much liquid during the cooking process. Enjoy!!
I have 2 leg quarters. Do you think recommend the slow cooker or oven?
I would use the oven. I’d be afriad that it might dry out in the slow cooker unless you have a smaller sized slow cooker to use. Enjoy!
I am making this right now and why does it look with, has no color. What happen. I have n hour to go.
How much honey and soy sauce did you add?
I didn’t use any for this recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Any tips for tossing potatoes and carrots in there with the chicken? What’s the timing for cooking them all together?
I would make them separately. You don’t want to add too much to the slow cooker as it won’t allow the chicken to crisp up. Sorry.
What size slow cooker did you use? I only have a 6 quart. I would prefer to remove the skin from the chicken. Would that be a problem?
I used a 6 qt slow cooker so you’ll be fine. I would recommend removing the skin after it is cooked. It really helps to protect the meat and keeps it moist. Hope this helps! Enjoy!
Can I do low 6 hours instead of 8 hours?
If you do I would finish it in the oven for a few minutes to brown it up.
Can I throw in Brussel sprouts or some veggie with the chicken?
I would recommend making them on the side.:) Enjoy!
Nice, simple recipe. I complicated it slightly by seasoning and searing before adding the chicken to the slow cooker (I always do). After cooking I also skimmed any fat and drained the liquid off into a small pan, thickened with cornstarch and added boullion, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper and served as a sauce for the chicken. My husband enjoyed it ? With that sauce and some freshly sautéed veggies this would be perfect over rice.
Are you using bone in and skin on thighs?
Yes 🙂
Do you NOT read the recie?
I’m wondering where I went wrong with this! Followed the recipe to a T, but used boneless skinless chicken breasts draped/wrapped with bacon. For some reason, mine turned out incredibly bland and dry. The chicken completely dried out and the brown sugar seemed to liquify into the bacon fat/juices and did not leave a carmelized color or flavor on the chicken. I’ll definitely give this recipe another go in the future, but will be cooking it in the oven!
To avoid aluminum, prop up on carrots.
I love this recipe. It turns out perfectly every time. I use 4 chicken thighs rather than 5 because I get Costco chicken thighs that have 8 pouches all combined and each pouch has 4 thighs. I leave them in the chest freezer and cut off a pouch to thaw and cook one or two at a time. Sliced carrots are an awesome addition to this recipe fresh or frozen. You can add them at the beginning or halfway through cooking.
I made this last night with chicken breasts. It’s quite tasty. I added mayo to a little of this and made a hot chicken salad sandwich. I’m thinking of using the rest of the chicken to make some regular chicken salad to last the week. Just add some mayo or cream cheese. Some chopped walnuts, cranberries, bacon, or whatever I have. It’s gonna be awesome.
This looks delicious! I have boneless skinless chicken breasts and I’m going to use oven. Do I need to brown chicken in a pan first? And should I wrap in bacon? Wasn’t sure if the bacon applied to just slow cooker or oven too?
If you’re going to use an oven with chicken breast and bacon use this recipe instead: Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
I can’t wait to try your recipe, as published! My one question is, would using a slow cooker liner change the finished recipe?
I don’t recommend it because it doesn’t allow the chicken to crisp up. I hope you enjoy it!
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? Would I still need to wrap bacon around the chicken since it’s boneless? Thanks!
It can’t hurt 🙂
Whats a good side dish to pair withnthis? Making it now as we speak..
This is such a versatile dish so anything pretty much goes. I love roasted vegetables or even macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!
Hi Sabrina. I have used several of your recipes. Especially like lemon chicken in slow cooker. Can I use boneless chicken thighs. What other recipes use the boneless chicken thighs? Thanks?
Yes, this will still work with boneless chicken thighs. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes.
Made this last week and even though it did not look like the picture pretty picture provided, it was super yummy. Added some chopped carrots and sweet potatoes with about one hour left to cook and it came out delicious. The whole family loved it.
This was INCREDIBLE. In fact, I have made it multiple times for my family, even the picky ones, and they LOVE it! THank you so so much for this recipe !!
Can you advise how long to cook if I use bone-in split chicken breasts? Also, can I eliminate bacon if I use this cut of chicken?
I’d still use bacon to help keep it moist. Enjoy!
Yum
I am using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Will they dry out in the slow cooker?
No, you’ll be fine. Enjoy!
Going to make this tomorrow! Do you have any recommendations for side dishes that would go well with this?
I would recommend making roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
It was very moist and had good flavor. My family is very finicky about food and they loved it.