Name: Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot: 10 Min Prep
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488098H11M43S
Total time: PT-488098H11M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup sweet chili sauce; ½ cup soy sauce; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot has become my go-to for busy weeknights, and I bet it will be yours too! I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma of garlic and sweet chili sauce filling my kitchen was incredible, promising a delicious meal without much fuss. The chicken came out so tender, practically falling apart, coated in this wonderfully sticky, savory glaze. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to get a flavorful dinner on the table, making it a lifesaver when I’m short on time. This Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken is so simple, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

This recipe is a weeknight dinner dream! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for it again and again:

Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, it only takes about 10 minutes to get everything into the crockpot.
Incredibly Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process makes the chicken unbelievably moist and succulent.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory garlic sauce is addictive and coats the chicken perfectly.
Effortless Cooking: As a fantastic Easy Crockpot Garlic Chicken, it does all the work for you.
Versatile Pairing: It’s a fantastic base for so many side dishes, making it great for exploring different Garlic Chicken Recipes.
Busy Weeknight Friendly: Perfect for those evenings when you have very little time but want a delicious homemade meal.
Minimal Cleanup: Just one pot to wash!
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this sweet and savory flavor combination.

Ingredients for Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

Gathering these few ingredients is all it takes for this amazing dish. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, but the sauce is where the magic truly happens. You’ll need:

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs tend to stay moister, but breasts work beautifully too!
1 cup sweet chili sauce – This is the base of our sweet and savory coating.
½ cup soy sauce – For that essential salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness.
6 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp here! Freshly minced garlic is key for that punchy flavor, making it almost a Garlic Butter Chicken Crockpot experience with its richness.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – A little goes a long way to add a nutty, aromatic finish to the sauce.

How to Make Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

Whipping up this delicious dish is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to create such a flavorful meal. This Crockpot Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy yet impressive dinner.

Step 1: Start by placing your chicken pieces directly into the bottom of your crockpot. Whether you choose thighs or breasts, arrange them in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, combine the key sauce ingredients: the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, freshly minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly combined. The aroma of the garlic mixing with the sweet chili is already promising!
Step 3: Pour this luscious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious blend.
Step 4: Secure the lid on your crockpot. Set it to cook on the ‘low’ setting for 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a bigger hurry, use the ‘high’ setting for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the chicken will become.
Step 5: Before serving, always check the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. This ensures it’s safely cooked through.
Step 6: For an even more enjoyable texture and to make it perfect for serving over rice or noodles, you can shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Use two forks to easily pull the tender chicken apart. This variation truly elevates the Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot experience.
Step 7: Give everything a final stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated in the rich, glossy sauce before dishing it up. Enjoy your amazing Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot!

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

Want to elevate your Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot game from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that make a huge difference. These tips will ensure your chicken is perfectly tender and packed with flavor every single time.

For an extra layer of depth, try searing the chicken pieces in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. It creates a beautiful caramelization.
Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce mixture if you like a little heat. It complements the sweet and savory notes wonderfully.
If you’re using chicken breasts, consider adding them in the last hour of cooking on low to prevent them from drying out. Thighs are more forgiving!

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot?

The real secret lies in the sauce balance and allowing enough time. For truly perfect chicken, ensure your garlic is freshly minced and consider searing the chicken first. This method is a staple in my rotation of slow cooker chicken recipes.

Can I make Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the sauce ingredients and have the chicken ready to go in the crockpot the night before. Store the sauce mixture separately in the fridge, then combine everything in the morning before turning it on. It makes busy mornings even easier.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot?

A common pitfall is overcooking, especially with chicken breasts, which can lead to dry chicken. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, make sure to mince your garlic finely; large chunks can be overpowering and don’t distribute the flavor as evenly. For more information on safe cooking temperatures, you can refer to USDA guidelines.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

This versatile Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot is fantastic served in so many ways, truly making it one of the most adaptable sweet chicken recipes out there. My favorite way is over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or steamed quinoa, which soaks up all that delicious garlicky sauce beautifully. For a heartier meal, try it alongside some roasted broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and freshness. You could also shred the chicken and serve it in soft slider buns for a fun, casual meal that’s always a hit! This is similar to how we might serve Greek chicken bowls, focusing on a flavorful protein.

Nutrition Facts for Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delightful Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot dish:

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

One of the best things about this Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot is how well it keeps, making it a lifesaver for future easy weeknight dinners. Once it’s finished cooking, let the chicken cool down slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. For the best quality, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will last for about 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave it until heated through. This is a great make-ahead meal, much like our baked lemon rosemary chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot?

Absolutely! Many people prefer using Crockpot chicken breast. Just be mindful that chicken breast can dry out more easily than thighs. I recommend cooking it on the lower setting for the shorter end of the time range (2-3 hours on high, or 4 hours on low) and checking for doneness at 165°F to prevent overcooking. It will still be delicious!

What can I serve with Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot?

This dish is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up that amazing sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are also fantastic accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or noodles. If you’re looking for a side that complements chicken well, consider vegetable zucchini fritters.

How do I make the sauce thicker for my Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot?

If you find the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, you can easily thicken it. Just remove the chicken from the crockpot, turn the heat to high, and mix a slurry of 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water. Stir it into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat.

Can I add vegetables directly to the crockpot with the chicken?

Yes, you can! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli florets during the last hour or two of cooking on low is a great way to make it a complete meal. This is a fantastic method for creating truly easy weeknight dinners.

Variations of Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot You Can Try

This Sweet Garlic Chicken Crockpot is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for all sorts of delicious twists. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy this flavor profile, consider these ideas from my kitchen experiments! For a similar flavor profile with a different cooking method, check out our caramelised soy chicken garlic.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, simply add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking. It adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweet garlic.
Citrus Twist: Brighten up the sauce by adding the zest and juice of one lime or half a lemon during the last hour of cooking. This adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness.
Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This is a simple change that keeps all the amazing flavor.
One-Pot Meal: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal. These additions are a great way to expand on classic slow cooker chicken recipes.