slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with the natural sweetness of garlic for a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible. With just a few pantry staples and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have an easy dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Minimal Prep: Just dump ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
– Family-Friendly: Balanced sweet-and-savory flavors that kids and adults both enjoy.
– Meal Prep Ready: Perfect for weekly crockpot meals, lunch bowls, or dinner meal prep.
– Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, potatoes, or in wraps for a complete meal.
– Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (with the right soy sauce alternative).
Ingredient Information
To make this sweet garlic chicken crockpot dinner, you’ll need:
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay extra juicy).
– Garlic: Fresh cloves are key, crush or mince them for full flavor.
– Sweetener: Honey or brown sugar balances the garlic and soy sauce.
– Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): Adds savory depth.
– Optional Add-Ins: Red pepper flakes for spice, sesame seeds for garnish, or cubed potatoes for a full one-pot meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients, Mince garlic and gather all ingredients.
2. Mix the Sauce , Combine soy sauce, garlic, honey (or sugar), and optional chili flakes.
3. Layer in Crockpot , Place chicken at the bottom, then pour sauce over top.
4. Slow Cook – Low: 6–8 hours | High: 3–4 hours
5. Finish – Shred chicken in the pot for a pulled style or serve whole.
6. Garnish & Serve ,Top with sesame seeds, scallions, or fresh herbs.
Serve with rice, quinoa, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete crockpot dinner.
Storage Information
– Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
– Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months.
– Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
– Meal Prep Tip: Portion with rice and veggies into lunch containers for grab-and-go meals.
Helpful Tips
– Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
– Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer extra saucy chicken.
– Double the recipe for big families or for weekly meal prep.
– For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations
– Spicy Sweet Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper.
– Honey Garlic Chicken: Swap brown sugar with honey.
– Garlic Chicken & Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to cook alongside.
– Rice Bowl Style: Serve shredded chicken over jasmine rice with broccoli.
– Summer Wraps: Shred chicken and use in tortillas or lettuce wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour for food safety.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely, just swap soy sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari.
Q: Can I cook it on high instead of low?
A: Yes! High for 3–4 hours works well if you’re short on time.
Q: What sides go best with sweet garlic chicken?
A: Steamed rice, roasted potatoes, stir-fried veggies, or even simple salads.
Q: Can I use the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then quick release.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
– Spicy Chicken Crockpot
– Creamy Crockpot Chicken
– Zesty Lemon Chicken
– Hearty BBQ Chicken
Sweet Garlic Chicken Made Easy: A Delicious Crockpot Favorite
Enjoy the natural sweetness of garlic paired with tender chicken simmered all day. This crockpot meal is flavorful, simple to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (garnish)
Instructions
1. Mince garlic and gather all ingredients.
2. Mix soy sauce, garlic, honey, and chili flakes.
3. Place chicken in crockpot, pour sauce over top.
4. Cook on LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
5. Shred or serve whole. Garnish before serving.
Notes
✨ Tip: Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.