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This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken is sweet, tangy, and full of rich flavor thanks to a simple marinade that cooks right into the meat. It takes just minutes to prep and makes a great weeknight dinner

If you love dump-and-go recipes, try this 3-ingredient brown sugar chicken. This unique recipe is my family’s favorite and makes you look forward to chicken again in the crockpot.
Key Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients Brown Sugar Chicken. The full recipe is in the recipe card below the images.
- Italian dressing – Adds tang, herbs, and just the right amount of acidity
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Stay tender and soak up all the flavor
- Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized glaze
Cook’s Notes
Dressing Swap: If you want to use dry Italian dressing mix, follow the directions on the packet (with vinegar and water) then use the amount of dressing in the recipe.
Thighs: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Veggie Addition: If you want to add vegetables, great options are sliced onion, carrots and small diced potatoes.
How to serve
- Serve the chicken whole or shredded with the brown sugar sauce drizzled over the top.
- We love it served over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. For side dishes, try crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker collard greens, or corn on the cob.
- You can also pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns for easy sandwiches.
Featured Comment
Made this tonight with 2 chicken breasts, and I also used Wishbone Italian Salad dressing. I also used 1/3 cup of brown sugar and it turned out really delicious! Thank you for this wonderfully easy recipe that makes weeknight dinners simple and tasty. Will be adding this to my meal plan rotation!
– CS
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup Newman's Own Family Style Italian dressing
Serving ideas
- Rice or mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar on top of the chicken.
- Pour over the dressing.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve whole or shred.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Try cozy favorites like Chicken Biscuit Casserole, Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti, or ultra-easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast. Want a complete meal that feeds a crowd? Try my Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
For something bold, go with Mississippi Chicken or Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken. Craving something rich and comforting? Slow Cooker Butter Chicken hits the spot.
Can I freeze leftover chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers.
Wonderful recipes
Excellent!