Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful and Tender Delight
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken, a savory and succulent dish that combines the richness of chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of garlic and brown sugar. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a long day. Let’s dive into the world of slow cooking and discover how to create this mouthwatering chicken dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (regular or diet)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chopped garlic, lemon-lime soda, soy sauce, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are fully coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high heat for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the sweet garlic chicken hot over cooked rice or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a complete meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. Add more for a bolder flavor or reduce for a milder taste.
- Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking in the slow cooker.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you’ll need to make some substitutions. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Swap the lemon-lime soda with sparkling water or diet lemon-lime soda to reduce the carb content. Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables to keep it low in carbs.
- Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the sauce or omit it altogether. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to further reduce the carb content. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken thighs may require slightly longer to cook in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce mixture and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Absolutely! Leftover sweet garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar in the sauce? A: While apple cider vinegar is recommended for its slightly sweet and tangy flavor, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar if preferred.
Q: Is this dish spicy? A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added to the sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory garlic, and sweet brown sugar that is sure to please the whole family. With the convenience of the slow cooker and the irresistible flavors of the sauce, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this sweet garlic chicken dish is sure to satisfy. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal that everyone will love!
