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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bliss: 10 Best Thighs

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar
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A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic glaze, finished with a crispy broiled skin.

Ingredients

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  • 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp coarse black pepper
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or Worcestershire)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them skin-side up in the slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Mix to form a paste.
  3. Generously slather the brown sugar paste over each chicken thigh.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
  5. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and place on a foil-lined baking sheet, skin-side up.
  6. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is crispy and caramelized.
  7. While chicken broils, pour slow cooker juices into a glass, let fat separate, skim fat, and simmer the remaining sauce to thicken slightly if desired.
  8. Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  • The broiler step is crucial for crispy skin. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • The sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
  • For a spicier version, add sriracha or chili garlic paste to the glaze.
  • Pineapple chunks can be added to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added to the glaze for an herbaceous flavor.
  • Substitute half the brown sugar with BBQ dry rub for a BBQ flavor.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but reduce cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummywords.com/slow-cooker-brown-sugar/

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