Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken
Emma
This slow-cooked chicken is simmered in a rich brown sugar and soy sauce glaze with hints of garlic and sesame, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep go-to.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 6
Calories 336 kcal
Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
Mixing Bowl
Whisk or Fork
Cutting Board and Knife
Tongs or Forks
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ – 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
Chicken Preparation
I start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick. Then, I generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also use a pinch of garlic powder if you want an extra kick.
Before placing the chicken in, I coat the bottom of my slow cooker with 1–2 tablespoons of sesame oil. This not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also prevents the ingredients from sticking.
Next, I spread diced onion and smashed garlic cloves across the bottom of the pot. These aromatics release their flavor as the chicken cooks, giving the dish its deep savory base.
In a small mixing bowl, I whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, and water. The brown sugar adds that signature sweetness while the soy sauce balances it with salt and umami. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved for the smoothest sauce texture.
I place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions and garlic, then pour the brown sugar-soy mixture evenly over everything. At this point, the aroma already starts to come together.
Keyword Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken