Looking for a dinner that’s both effortless and bursting with flavor?

This Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is your new go-to!

With just a handful of ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your pantry—you’ll create a rich, tangy, and sweet sauce that coats tender chicken to perfection.

It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s ideal for busy nights when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without any hassle.

Trust us, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!

For Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts – You can use frozen, thawed, or fresh chicken breasts. It’s all about what works best for you.
• Brown Sugar – This adds the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the tangy sauce.
• Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a great option for this recipe, providing just the right amount of acidity.
• Lemon-Lime Soda – Regular or diet works well. The soda adds a bit of fizz and sweetness that elevates the sauce.
• Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for the flavorful garlic kick.
• Soy Sauce – A bit of soy sauce enhances the savory aspect of the sauce.
• Fresh Ground Pepper – Adds a little depth and spice to the overall flavor.

For Sweet Garlic Chicken Sauce

• Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce and make it more of a glaze.
• Water – Mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for those who like a little heat to balance the sweetness.

Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken

This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, creating a flavorful glaze. With just a few simple ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken breasts
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ⅔ cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar preferred)
• ¼ cup lemon-lime soda (either diet or regular)
• 2-3 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

• Lightly coat your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts (whether frozen, thawed, or fresh) into the cooker.
• In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, minced garlic, soy sauce, and freshly ground pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
• Once the chicken is cooked through (it should be tender and may fall apart), remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan.
• Heat the sauce over high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute or two to continue thickening.
• Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce for an added kick. Serve the chicken with the thickened glaze on top.

Notes

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 700mg | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 10mg

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1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Absolutely! You can throw frozen chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker without thawing them first. It’s as simple as that!
2. Can I cook it on HIGH instead of LOW?
   You sure can! Just cook it on HIGH for about 4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on LOW. Easy switch to fit your schedule!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
   Yes, you can! Prep everything—chicken and sauce—place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it straight into the slow cooker from frozen, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
4. Can I add veggies to the slow cooker?
   Yes, go for it! Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli in the last 2 hours of cooking to keep them tender and flavorful. You’ve got this!
5. How can I thicken the sauce?
   Easy peasy! Simply mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving to make it nice and thick.