Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

When I think of a recipe called slow cooker brown sugar chicken, I immediately vision a chicken that is going to have a rich warmth and sweetness to it that you can’t usually find with chicken.

A traditional brown sugar chicken recipe is going to be one that brings you the moisture of a good chicken, wrapped in a lovely sauce that brings a sweet side to your main dish.

You may think that’s too much for you, which is why you will love this brown sugar chicken recipe that brings the balance of brown sugar with Cajun to the table.

You’ll want to do this one over and over again.

The perfect combination of flavors.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken?

This slow cooker brown sugar chicken recipe is a family favorite. I love this one because:

• It pleases every palate – Black pepper and Cajun marry brown sugar quite lovingly here.
• Easy – This is a few minutes of stove time and a beautiful day of slow cooker heaven in the home.
• Affordable – Other than the chicken, you probably have everything for this in your pantry already.

Does sugar tenderize chicken?

Yes, sugar is a known tenderizer of meat. Like any good tenderizer, the longer the sugar works with the meat proteins, the more they will break down into a meat that is succulent and delicious. Give this slow cooker brown sugar chicken a few minutes to rest before you bring it to the table.

The best alternative for Cajun seasoning?

A Cajun or Creole seasoning is great here because it balances the brown sugar, so you will want something as spicy to accomplish the same goal with in this brown sugar chicken recipe. You can combine cayenne and black pepper here for a delicious balance to the brown sugar. Paprika works beautifully with brown sugar if you want a more subtle kick to your chicken that comes with a rich smoky taste that will work well with the soy and pineapple heaven you are creating here.

Why do you brown chicken before cooking?

Meat is typically browned before cooking for flavor value alone, but it does bring some texture to the dish as well. You can get away without browning the meat before you put it in the slow cooker. However, you will find a tastier crisp to the meat if you take a few minutes to brown it first.

How to serve Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken?

This slow cooker brown sugar chicken will pair well with a nice bed of sticky rice. Take one of the flavors from the recipe and put it in your vegetables subtly. A rich garlic butter broccoli for example will pull the entire plate together.

Cooking Tips:

You want to keep the temperature low when you are browning the chicken in the skillet. It makes the browning feel like less work. Set it and watch it, flipping it when necessary. Do not take your time cooking the sauce, it really will cook in 3 minutes and will thicken more naturally when it loses temperature.

Variations:

For me, a little goes a long way with garlic, I cook with it a lot, and every kind of garlic brings a different win. You can vary the garlic powder here with fresh garlic, or even sauteed garlic in the pan when you are browning. Another way to add richness with this recipe is by roasting garlic for 30 minutes at 400 and you’ll love the depth that flavor brings to this dish.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Creole or Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Light brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Water

How to make Slow Cooker Brown Suger Chicken:

Step 1. Once you’ve removed the skin from the chicken, spice it with salt, black pepper, cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 2. Make sure that any part of the chicken remains unseasoned, and after five minutes cook in low in a nonstick skillet.

Step 3. Mix the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Slowly add to the chicken making sure to cover it completely.

Step 4. Cover and cook over very low heat for 5 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.

Step 5. After this time, use a spatula to transfer the chicken from the slow cooker to a baking dish. Cover with aluminum and reserve.

Step 6. Turn the cooking temperature up to high, and cook the leftover sauce mixture until it boils.

Step 7. Mix the water with the cornstarch aside until there are no clumps. Slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while continuing to mix. Cook for 3 more minutes to thicken.

Step 8. When the sauce is ready, cover each of the chicken thighs and serve them in the dish of your choice. Serve the remaining sauce as you wish. It will be ready to enjoy!

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken?

You always want to store chicken with extra precautions. Shallow and airtight containers with lids are ideal for chicken.  You can use the same containers for fridge or freezer storage. Do not leave the chicken out all night.

How to reheat Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken?

This slow cooker brown sugar chicken recipe can be reheated for 15 minutes at 400. You can microwave it, but you’ll find that will change the flavor as the chicken will dry almost instantly.

How much does Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken last on the fridge?

This brown sugar chicken recipe will last in the fridge for up to four days. In the freezer, it will be good for up to nine months.

Can I make ahead Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken?

Yes, you can make ahead the slow cooker brown sugar chicken recipe. Follow storage and fridge tips if you aren’t eating it right away.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs – Ah! Honey and garlic, my two favorite best food friends. I love this recipe because you can slip on a few steps but the flavors will disguise everything and keep your oops moments to yourself. You’ll love the tips on adding pepper flakes or spice to give this traditional flavor some new life.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan – Chicken parmesan can be done in a slow cooker, and you really will want to have it over and over again after you have tried this one. This recipe has the potential to give you that long-sought-after chicken parmesan crunch that can take years for even the best foodies to perfect.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – Try this for your new favorite comfort food. This is an easy chicken and dumplings recipe that will have your home smelling like comfort all day long in just a few minutes.