This Crock Pot Chicken Brown Sugar is a sweet and savory recipe, which uses bone-in chicken thighs and garlic. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 5 minutes.
Crock Pot Chicken Brown Sugar Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Brown Sugar
- Add to slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs, salt, pepper, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Optional browning step: For crispier skin, brown the chicken skin-side down in a pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, or use the sear function on your slow cooker.
- Mix and arrange: Stir the ingredients together slightly, then flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up.
- Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Garnish (optional): Serve with chopped parsley on top, if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, but bone-in thighs provide more flavor and help the meat stay juicy during slow cooking.
- How to get crispier chicken skin: Browning the skin before adding to the Crock Pot or using the sear setting will enhance texture.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, root vegetables like carrots or potatoes work well in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- How to thicken the sauce: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or transfer juices to a pan and reduce over medium heat.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer or use a larger slow cooker.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken
This dish pairs perfectly with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- White rice
- Buttery corn on the cob

How To Store Crock Pot Chicken
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Crock Pot Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 308kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
- Sodium: 324mg
- Sugar: 14g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may turn out drier. Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor.
Why is my chicken not browning in the Crock Pot?
Slow cookers don’t brown meat well. Use a skillet or sear setting before slow cooking for better color.
Do I need to add liquid to the Crock Pot?
No extra liquid is needed; the chicken releases enough juices during cooking.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Chicken Brown Sugar
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy5
servings5
minutes8
hours308
kcalA sweet and savory slow cooker chicken recipe with brown sugar and garlic, perfect for an easy comfort meal.
Ingredients
5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
Directions
- Add chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper to slow cooker.
- (Optional) Brown chicken skin-side down in a pan or sear in the slow cooker.
- Mix slightly and position chicken skin side up.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- (Optional) Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
