Easy Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe: Crockpot Magic for Busy Days

Whipping up a delectable sweet garlic chicken crockpot dish promises an effortless culinary adventure.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this simple meal.

Tender chicken transforms into a succulent masterpiece without complicated preparation steps.

You appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with basic pantry staples.

Marinades and sauces blend seamlessly, ensuring each bite bursts with rich, complex tastes.

What Goes In Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean white meat perfect for slow cooking.

• Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredient that caramelizes beautifully.
• Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances the sweetness.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Adds subtle citrus and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer with robust taste.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and umami-rich seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice that provides mild heat.

• Corn Starch, Water: Combination that creates smooth sauce consistency.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy sprinkle for extra kick.

• Rice, Noodles: Base for serving the chicken and catching the delicious glaze.

Cooking Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

This prevents any sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken

Place chicken breasts inside the crockpot, creating a cozy little nest for them to cook in.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Vinegar
• Lemon-lime soda
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until well blended, creating a mouthwatering marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Pour and Cook

Gently pour the magical mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a good coating.

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 4 hours

The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Glaze

Once chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot.

Transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch and water until completely smooth.

Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the existing sauce.

Stir constantly over high heat until the sauce begins to bubble and transform into a glossy, rich glaze.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest for a minute or two.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken over fluffy rice or tender noodles.

Drizzle the gorgeous garlic glaze generously over the top.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips For Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture throughout the slow cooking process.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the sweet garlic depth and create more pronounced taste layers.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry amount carefully to control glaze thickness – less cornstarch creates a thinner sauce, while more creates a richer, more coating texture.
• Substitute low-sodium soy sauce and choose a reduced-sugar lemon-lime soda to make the recipe more heart-healthy without compromising flavor profile.
• Shred the cooked chicken and store separately from the glaze to create versatile meal options like tacos, salads, or sandwich fillings throughout the week.

Reheating Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the chicken from the glaze to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Use 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet with a bit of sauce over medium-low heat.
• If the chicken seems dry, drizzle extra prepared glaze over the top just before serving to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Sides To Serve With Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Amplify Flavor with Citrus Sling: Pair this sweet garlic chicken with a refreshing lemon-lime cocktail that matches the soda in the recipe, creating a zesty and complementary drinking experience.
• Mellow Rice Companion: Serve the chicken over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the rich, sweet garlic glaze, enhancing the overall taste and providing a soft, aromatic base.
• Crisp Vegetable Contrast: Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side to introduce a fresh, green element that cuts through the sweetness and adds nutritional balance to the meal.
• Wine Harmony Pick: Select a semi-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet and savory notes of the chicken, with its slight acidity helping to balance the rich garlic glaze.

New Takes On Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey and add extra red pepper flakes for a hot kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the soda and sugar, use chicken broth instead, and serve over cauliflower rice for fewer carbohydrates.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Is there a substitute for lemon-lime soda?

You can replace the soda with apple juice or chicken broth. These alternatives will still provide moisture and help tenderize the chicken.

• How can I make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia. This will decrease the sweetness while maintaining the overall flavor profile.

• What if I don't have corn starch to thicken the sauce?

You can use flour as an alternative thickener. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water to create a smooth paste before adding it to the sauce.

Reasons To Enjoy Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sweet and savory glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
• Versatile Meal Solution: This recipe works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, easily adapting to different serving styles like over rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The tender, glazed chicken appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to recipe for satisfying multiple taste preferences in one simple meal.

Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering crockpot sweet garlic chicken delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich, tangy sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4–6 chicken breasts

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2–3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking together brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Gently pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the liquid mixture.
5. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 4 hours until meat is completely cooked through.
6. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter, reserving the remaining cooking liquid in the crockpot.
7. Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and place over high heat to begin sauce reduction.
8. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then pour into the saucepan with the cooking liquid.
9. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing it to thicken for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, glaze-like consistency.
10. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze rest briefly to further thicken.
11. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the glaze for added heat and visual appeal.
12. Plate the chicken over a bed of rice or noodles and generously drizzle with the aromatic garlic glaze.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness before placing in the crockpot for uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and choosing a diet-friendly lemon-lime soda alternative to make the recipe more heart-healthy.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch, ensuring smooth sauce thickening without gluten contamination.
• Enhance meal prep by shredding leftover chicken for salads, tacos, or sandwiches, maximizing recipe versatility and minimizing food waste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg