Crockpot Chicken with Brown Sugar

by

Tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet brown sugar glaze makes this recipe flavorful and easy for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to prepare: Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
  • Great for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
  • Customizable flavors: You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your preference.
  • Delicious sauce: The brown sugar glaze thickens into a delicious sauce, perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CHICKEN WITH BROWN SUGAR:

this RECIPE FOR LATER

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Add to Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into your crockpot in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Slow Cook: Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shred with a fork.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  5. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, you can either shred the chicken or leave it whole. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and drizzle the thickened sauce over the top for extra flavor.

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer to skip the alcohol, simply replace the bourbon with chicken broth or apple juice for a flavorful substitute.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snow peas. You can also serve it alongside noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/3 cup.

DETAILS:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes (depending on cook setting)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Crockpot/Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

 

NOTES:

  • Leftover Ideas: Use any leftover chicken to make sandwiches, wraps, or add it to a salad for a quick meal the next day.
  • Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during the slow cooking process. If using breasts, check for doneness after the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What should I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice or jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sauce. For a healthier option, you can serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Add steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans on the side for a complete meal.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Brown the chicken in a large pan, then add the sauce ingredients. Simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add the cornstarch slurry toward the end to thicken the sauce.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other tasty chicken dishes:

  • Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
  • Sweet and Spicy Chicken Drumsticks

CONCLUSION:

This crockpot chicken recipe with brown sugar is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and simple to customize.

Leave a Comment