Sweet Garlic Chicken
Sweet Garlic Chicken is not overly loaded with garlic, just enough to give it a flavor boost.
Sweet garlic chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar or honey.
How to Select Chicken Breasts for Sweet Garlic Chicken
Selecting chicken breasts involves several considerations to ensure you get the best quality.
Look for Appearance
- Color: Fresh chicken breasts should be light pink in color, with no gray or dull spots. The flesh should be uniform in color.
- Texture: The meat should be firm to the touch, not slimy or sticky. Avoid any that feel overly soft or have an unusual texture.
Check Packaging
- Expiration Date: Always check the sell-by or use-by date to ensure freshness.
- Seal Integrity: Ensure the packaging is intact and hasn’t been damaged or opened, as this can indicate contamination.
Smell
- Fresh chicken should have little to no odor. If it has a sour or off smell, it’s best to avoid it.
Bone-In vs. Boneless
- Decide if you want bone-in or boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in can be more flavorful and moist, while boneless is easier to cook and use in various dishes.
Consider Frozen Chicken:
- If you’re buying frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are well-packaged with no signs of freezer burn (ice crystals or large amounts of ice on the packaging).
Look for Grade:
- If available, buy USDA graded chicken (grade A is the best quality), which is inspected for quality and safety.
Organic or Free-Range:
- If you prefer chicken that is antibiotic-free or comes from free-range environments, look for labels that specify organic or free-range.
Size and Thickness:
- Choose sizes that fit your cooking needs. Thicker breasts may take longer to cook and may require adjustments in preparation time.
Ask Questions:
- Don’t hesitate to ask the butcher or staff about the source of the chicken, how it was raised, and any other relevant questions.
Sweet Garlic Chicken
This chicken is not overly loaded with garlic, just enough to give it a flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 to 6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (diet or regular)
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken (frozen, thawed or fresh) inside slow cooker.
- Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, garlic, soy sauce and pepper together. Pour over chicken. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
- Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker (they may fall apart) and pour remaining sauce into saucepan. Place saucepan over high heat.
- Mix together cornstarch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well. Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2 to 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down).
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
