Go Back

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Tender, caramelized chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic glaze, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker, arranging in a single layer.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Remove chicken from slow cooker and set aside on a serving platter.
  8. Mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the cooking liquid.
  9. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze consistency.
  10. Pour thickened glaze over chicken and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear chicken before slow cooking. The glaze thickens beautifully with cornstarch slurry. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days.