Slow Cooker Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

The slow cooker has become an indispensable tool in modern kitchens, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. One of my all-time favorite slow cooker recipes is Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken. This dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the robust flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting.

The first time I made this dish was for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The chicken was incredibly tender, and the glaze was perfectly sticky and flavorful. Since then, it has become a staple in our household, especially on busy weekdays when I need to prepare something delicious with minimal effort.

INGREDIENTS:

¾ cup brown sugar

½ cup apple cider vinegar

7 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon finely grated ginger

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

3 tablespoons soy sauce

½ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon butter

½ cup water

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the following ingredients: ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 7 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter.

These ingredients will create a rich, flavorful base that will infuse the chicken with a delightful sweet and savory taste.

Mix the Ingredients: Stir the ingredients together until well combined. The brown sugar should dissolve into the liquid, creating a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir until there are no lumps. This slurry will help thicken the sauce as the chicken cooks.

Add the Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and mix well to ensure it is evenly distributed. This will help create a nice, thick glaze for the chicken.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Take 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and trim any excess fat. You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces if you prefer, but whole breasts work just as well.

Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure to coat each side with the brown sugar mixture. This ensures that every bite of chicken will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the sauce …