Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with this Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy yet satisfying meal, this dish uses simple ingredients to create deep, comforting flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked to perfection, infused with garlic and a touch of brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a versatile meal that can be served on busy weeknights or during leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle thoroughly with Kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is seasoned.
2. Add Garlic
Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the chicken thighs. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the garlic into the skin for deeper flavor infusion.
3. Arrange the Chicken
Gently stir the chicken and garlic to combine the flavors, then arrange the thighs skin side up in the cooker to ensure the skin becomes nicely caramelized.
4. Add Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken, covering the surface of the thighs. The sugar not only enhances the taste but also aids in achieving a deliciously sticky texture.
5. Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through by the end of cooking time.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 5
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours on high setting or 8 hours on low setting
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a microwave or in the oven. For the oven, cover the chicken with foil and reheat at 350°F until hot, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
The Sweet and Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, where minimal effort results in maximum flavor. This recipe allows the deep, robust flavors of garlic and the sweetness of brown sugar to permeate the tender chicken, creating a dish that’s wonderfully aromatic and pleasingly delicious. Serve it alongside a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
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Sweet and Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minute
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with this Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy yet satisfying meal, this dish uses simple ingredients to create deep, comforting flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked to perfection, infused with garlic and a touch of brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a versatile meal that can be served on busy weeknights or during leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle thoroughly with Kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is seasoned.
- Add Garlic Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the chicken thighs. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the garlic into the skin for deeper flavor infusion.
- Arrange the Chicken Gently stir the chicken and garlic to combine the flavors, then arrange the thighs skin side up in the cooker to ensure the skin becomes nicely caramelized.
- Add Brown Sugar Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken, covering the surface of the thighs. The sugar not only enhances the taste but also aids in achieving a deliciously sticky texture.
- Cook Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through by the end of cooking time.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high setting or 8 hours on low setting