Looking for a flavorful and easy slow cooker chicken recipe? Try out this Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken! With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar)
- 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 cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts (frozen, thawed, or fresh) inside the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove chicken pieces from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until well combined.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to thicken and turn into a glaze.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two to continue thickening.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.
- Serve the chicken with the glaze over rice or noodles. It also pairs well with baked potatoes.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a special dinner occasion. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they can cook faster than chicken breasts, especially if they are boneless and skinless. Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks to prevent overcooking and drying out.
2. Is it necessary to use lemon-lime soda in the recipe, or can I substitute it with something else?
- The lemon-lime soda adds a hint of sweetness and tanginess to the sauce, which complements the other flavors in the dish. However, if you prefer not to use soda or if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different, but it will still turn out delicious.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and freeze it for later use?
- Yes, you can definitely prepare the sauce ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Simply mix together the brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, and proceed with the cooking instructions. This makes for a convenient meal prep option for busy weeknights or when you want to have a meal ready to go.
4. How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry during the cooking process?
- To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, make sure not to overcook it. Follow the recommended cooking times in the recipe, and check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Additionally, using frozen chicken breasts can help retain moisture during the slow cooking process. If you find that the chicken is drying out, you can also add a little extra sauce or chicken broth to the slow cooker halfway through the cooking time to keep it moist.