Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

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Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, soaking up a rich garlic-infused sauce with a hint of sweetness. Every bite is packed with deep, caramelized flavors, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken stays incredibly moist.

What makes this dish stand out is its balance of flavors—savory garlic, a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, and a hint of soy sauce for depth. The sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers, creating a delicious glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients for Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by mincing the garlic and gathering all your ingredients. If using chicken breasts, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.

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Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This combination will create a rich, slightly sweet, and garlicky sauce that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks.

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Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot and pour the prepared sauce evenly over it. Make sure the chicken is fully coated so it absorbs all the flavors during the slow cooking process.

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Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow cooking allows the sauce to seep into the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.

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Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the crockpot, then let it cook on high for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Return the chicken to the pot and coat it in the thickened sauce.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot!

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep the flavors intact. Place the cooled Sweet Garlic Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, store the chicken with some sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fat: ~10g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Sugar: ~12g

Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient variations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well but may need an extra 30-45 minutes of cooking time on low.

2. What can I use instead of soy sauce?

You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. If reducing sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the “Pressure Cook” setting on high for 10 minutes, then do a 5-minute natural release before quick releasing the remaining pressure.

4. How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the honey or brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or add more soy sauce to balance the sweetness.

5. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or green beans make great additions. Add them in during the last hour of cooking to prevent over-softening.

6. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the sauce at the end. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

7. Can I prepare this as a freezer meal?

Yes! Mix the sauce ingredients and raw chicken in a freezer bag, then freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and follow the slow cooker instructions.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even noodles for a complete meal.

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