Looking for a dinner that’s both effortless and bursting with flavor?
This Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is your new go-to!
With just a handful of ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your pantry—you’ll create a rich, tangy, and sweet sauce that coats tender chicken to perfection.
It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s ideal for busy nights when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without any hassle.
Trust us, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!
For Sweet Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – You can use frozen, thawed, or fresh chicken breasts. It’s all about what works best for you.
- Brown Sugar – This adds the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the tangy sauce.
- Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a great option for this recipe, providing just the right amount of acidity.
- Lemon-Lime Soda – Regular or diet works well. The soda adds a bit of fizz and sweetness that elevates the sauce.
- Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for the flavorful garlic kick.
- Soy Sauce – A bit of soy sauce enhances the savory aspect of the sauce.
- Fresh Ground Pepper – Adds a little depth and spice to the overall flavor.
For Sweet Garlic Chicken Sauce
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce and make it more of a glaze.
- Water – Mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for those who like a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, creating a flavorful glaze. With just a few simple ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ⅔ cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar preferred)
- ¼ cup lemon-lime soda (either diet or regular)
- 2-3 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly coat your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts (whether frozen, thawed, or fresh) into the cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and freshly ground pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through (it should be tender and may fall apart), remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute or two to continue thickening.
- Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce for an added kick. Serve the chicken with the thickened glaze on top.
Notes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can throw frozen chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker without thawing them first. It’s as simple as that! - Can I cook it on HIGH instead of LOW?
You sure can! Just cook it on HIGH for about 4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on LOW. Easy switch to fit your schedule! - Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can! Prep everything—chicken and sauce—place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it straight into the slow cooker from frozen, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. - Can I add veggies to the slow cooker?
Yes, go for it! Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli in the last 2 hours of cooking to keep them tender and flavorful. You’ve got this! - How can I thicken the sauce?
Easy peasy! Simply mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving to make it nice and thick.
