Introduction
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken, a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a hassle-free dinner. With a sweet and tangy sauce coating tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with a sweet garlic sauce that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or even a baked potato.
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well)
- 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 the chicken breasts inside.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, vinegar, soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired. Serve the chicken and sauce over rice, noodles, or a baked potato.
How to Serve Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
Serve this flavorful chicken dish over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. It can also be served with a side of vegetables or a baked potato for a hearty dinner.
How to Store Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- If the sauce is too thin, continue to boil it until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Variation
For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe.
- Is it necessary to use lemon-lime soda? While the soda adds a touch of sweetness, you can omit it if desired.
- Can I freeze the leftover sauce? Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.