Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken over White Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar works well)
- 1/4 cup sprite
- 2-3 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Crushed red pepper (optional, to taste)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- White rice, cooked (for serving)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, vinegar, sprite, minced garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using). Mix until the brown sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable when done.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- Transfer the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and place it over high heat. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the boiling liquid while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Allow the sauce to boil for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more cornstarch slurry if needed.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Serve the sweet garlic chicken over a bed of white rice.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker sweet garlic chicken over white rice!
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A1: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, but both cuts of chicken work well with the sweet garlic sauce.
Q2: Is there a suitable alternative to sprite in the recipe? A2: Yes, you can use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda as an alternative to sprite. The carbonation adds a nice touch to the sauce.
Q3: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply pour the pre-made sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Q4: What other side dishes pair well with this dish? A4: Besides white rice, you can serve the sweet garlic chicken over quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables. A side of sautéed broccoli or a fresh green salad would also complement the dish nicely.
Q5: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option? A5: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re looking to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish. It won’t significantly alter the flavor, and it’s a great option for those watching their salt intake.
Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers? A6: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container. Ensure the chicken and sauce are completely cooled before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
Q7: Is there a recommended garnish for serving? A7: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro make excellent garnishes for this dish. They add a pop of color and additional flavor.
Q8: Can I use a different thickening agent instead of cornstarch? A8: Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives to cornstarch. Follow the same process of creating a slurry and gradually adding it to the sauce until the desired thickness is reached.
Q9: Can I cook this on high for a shorter time if I’m in a hurry? A9: Yes, you can cook the sweet garlic chicken on high for 4 hours if you’re short on time. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook, as cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken? A10: Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker for added texture and flavor. Ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces and add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
