Sweet and Savory Slow Cooker Chicken
If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious dinner, this sweet and savory slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender diced chicken and the rich sweetness of brown sugar creates a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Create the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and chicken broth. Stir the ingredients until the brown sugar has dissolved completely. If you like a bit of spice, add the red pepper flakes to the mix. This sauce will infuse the chicken with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer the diced chicken evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the chopped onions over the chicken. Next, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and onions, ensuring that everything is well-coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Let the chicken cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but cooking on low will allow the flavors to develop more fully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, check the consistency of the sauce. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken to a rich, glossy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of hot, cooked rice. For a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For a complete one-pot meal, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
- Honey Alternative: You can substitute honey for brown sugar if you prefer a different type of sweetness.
- Crispy Chicken: If you prefer a bit of crispiness, sear the diced chicken in a hot pan for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
This slow cooker chicken dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic, making each bite irresistible. Enjoy this easy, comforting meal with your loved ones!
This recipe combines the simplicity of a slow cooker with the rich, complex flavors of a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in a meal that’s sure to please.
