Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken recipe! This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with tender chunks of chicken coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious!
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili flakes (if using), minced fresh ginger, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breast pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If desired, you can thicken the sauce further by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, serve it hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor, if desired. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of this mouthwatering dish!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are all great options that pair well with the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the amount of brown sugar, or if you prefer a more savory flavor, you can reduce the amount.
- Spice it Up: Customize the level of heat in the dish by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or adding other spicy ingredients such as sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Low Carb Version: Similarly, for a lower-carb option, you can use a low-carb sweetener and coconut aminos in the sauce. Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breast if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook, and let the magic happen!
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the sauce? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional flavors such as garlic, sesame oil, or rice vinegar to customize the sauce to your liking.
In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its sweet and savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, why wait? Fire up your slow cooker and treat yourself to the irresistible goodness of this delicious dish tonight!
