SLOW COOKER BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN

Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich, glossy brown sugar garlic sauce! This easy slow cooker recipe is packed with sweet and savory flavor, and the chicken comes out beautifully caramelized and incredibly delicious.

 Ingredients

• 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

3. Add to the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking oil.

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer and pour the sauce over them, making sure each piece is well coated.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer it to a plate.

Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.

Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Coat the Chicken

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and gently spoon the thickened sauce over the top.

Let it sit in the sauce for a few minutes so the chicken becomes beautifully glazed.

7. Serve

Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes.

Spoon plenty of that delicious sauce over the chicken before serving!

 Helpful Tips

• Chicken thighs work especially well because they stay tender and juicy.
• For a deeper flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Sweet, savory, garlicky, and fall-apart tender—this slow cooker chicken is pure comfort food!