Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

Jun 16, 2023Updated Jun 05, 2024

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Italian dressing, brown sugar, and chicken breasts are combined and tossed in the crockpot for an easy prep Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken the whole family are sure to enjoy. Cook it up with your favorite side dishes for a full meal packed with great flavor.

Speaking of sides, pair this delicious chicken with Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Jalapeno Corn, and/or Mac and Cheese.

Brown sugar chicken breasts in a slow cooker on a spatula.

Why this brown sugar Italian chicken recipe works
Recipe Ingredients
Step-by-Step Directions
How to serve
Recipe FAQs
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Why this brown sugar Italian chicken recipe works

If you are looking for an easy dinner tonight, then you’ll want to try this 3 ingredient brown sugar chicken. Since there are only three ingredients, the prep time is quick and the cooking time is moderate. Easy recipes like this come in handy when you are looking for something tasty and versatile.

Chicken recipes like these are always my go to and it’s sure to be yours too! Keep reading to see just how easy it is to make this chicken absolutely delicious chicken recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for brown sugar chicken on a table.

Chicken: For this recipe, I recommend using a large pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cut them in half to cut down on the cooking time and ensure they are done completely.
Italian Dressing: You can use any brand of regular Italian dressing that you prefer. I like to use Newman’s Own family recipe Italian. It has all of the perfect flavors for this Italian dressing chicken.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the tanginess of the Italian dressing.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images showing how to make brown sugar chicken.

Step One – Add the chicken breasts to the crock pot.

Step Two – Add the brown sugar on top of the chicken.

Step Three – Pour over the salad dressing to create a brown sugar mixture.

Step Four – Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Serve and enjoy!

overhead shot of brown sugar chicken in a black slow cooker.

How to serve

This is the type of chicken that you can serve whole or shredded. I recommend serving it whole if you’re going to place it on top of something or shredded if you want to use it as a topping (like over nachos).
Make this chicken dinner complete with sides like white rice, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, macaroni and cheese, roasted veggies, or even a nice small garden salad.
If you want to put something on top of the chicken, go for a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil with fresh parsley. This will surely add extra flavor.

Brown sugar chicken breasts, done cooking in a crock pot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a dried Italian dressing mix?

Yes, you will want to mix the Italian dressing mix with the appropriate amount of water and vinegar then proceed with the recipe.

Will chicken thighs work in this recipe?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

Can I substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar?

Yes, the only difference between the two is one will have more molasses than the other but it shouldn’t affect the taste.

How do I store leftover brown sugar Italian chicken?

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the oven covered with aluminum foil.

Do you highly suggest lining my crock pot to prevent sticking or burning?

It’s not necessary because the chicken will create its own juice in addition to having the liquid from the dressing. I would suggest using a liner if you simply want an easier cleanup.

Can I put frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

No. Let your chicken defrost completely before cooking. You want to make sure your chicken reaches the correct temperature all the way through.

Can I make this chicken in the oven?

Of course! Simply use a baking dish and cook like any other baked chicken recipe.

plate with rice and a brown sugar chicken breast.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

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