Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tanginess of vinegar and the rich flavor of garlic. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the chicken with a mouthwatering sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s a versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or even with a baked potato.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar recommended)
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (diet or regular)
- 2-3 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 Tablespoons corn starch
- 2 Tablespoons water
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Directions:
- Preparing the Slow Cooker:
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken breasts (frozen, thawed, or fresh) in the slow cooker.
- Making the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and ground pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken breasts.
- Finishing the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. The chicken should be tender and easily fall apart.
- Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and place it over high heat.
- Mix the corn starch and water in a small bowl, then pour this mixture into the saucepan. Stir well.
- Allow the sauce to come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serving:
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the chicken for a bit of heat.
- Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, or alongside a baked potato. The glaze also works wonderfully as a topping for the potato.
This Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is a fantastic meal for any day of the week. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this wonderful slow-cooked chicken dish!