Brown sugar chicken on platter with crockpot in background.

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Who doesn’t love easy to prep meals? When life gets hectic and you’re juggling work, school, or activities, having an easy, delicious meal ready to go can make all the difference. That’s where this slow cooker brown sugar chicken recipe comes in. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that can be prepped in advance, making those busy weeknights feel a lot less stressful. This sweet and savory chicken is simple to make, and the crock pot does most of the work for you, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.

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Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to throw dinner together after a long, busy day, then you know how valuable it is to have a go-to recipe that doesn’t require much effort. This slow cooker chicken recipe is great because you can quickly prep it in the morning, set it to cook, and have a mouthwatering dish ready by dinnertime. The brown sugar chicken brings a delightful balance of flavors, combining the sweetness of dark brown sugar with the savory flavors of Italian dressing mix and garlic powder.

Plus, the best part is that the leftovers are perfect for meal prepping. Store any extra chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag, and you’ve got another meal ready to go for later in the week. It even freezes well, making it a fantastic freezer meal option for those weeks when time is tight.

Overhead image of ingredients in glass bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious chicken, you’ll only need three simple ingredients:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package Italian dressing mix
½ cup dark brown sugar
Optional: Garlic powder for extra flavor

Two crockpots showing process of chicken being cooked.

Directions

Prep the chicken: Place your chicken breasts into the bottom of the crock pot in a single layer. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the dressing mix and sugar.
Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the top of the chicken. Then, follow with the dark brown sugar, making sure each piece of chicken is coated with the brown sugar mixture. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle a little bit of garlic powder over the chicken at this stage.
Set it and forget it: Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but you’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but the low setting allows the flavors to meld better.
Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is fully cooked, serve it over a bed of white rice for a complete meal. The sweetness from the brown sugar pairs perfectly with the tangy Italian dressing, creating an amazing meal your whole family will love. For a balanced dinner, consider adding a side of green beans or your favorite vegetables.

shredded chicken being scooped out of crock pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this brown sugar chicken recipe is a winner:

Minimal prep: All you need is a few minutes in the morning to prep the chicken and seasonings, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Hands-off cooking: No need to stir or flip the chicken during cooking. Simply set the crock pot and let it work its magic.
Family-friendly: The flavors are mild enough for picky eaters, yet delicious enough to impress the whole family. Every one of your family members will be asking for seconds.
Perfect for meal prepping: If you’re looking to stock your freezer, this chicken freezes well. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat for another easy meal.
Customizable: Add vegetables like green beans or carrots directly into the slow cooker to create a one-pot meal, or swap out the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Up close image of shredded chicken on fork.

Meal Prepping Tips

If you’re into meal prepping, this slow cooker chicken recipe is a great addition to your weekly rotation. After the chicken has cooled, portion it into individual containers with rice and vegetables like green beans. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick, ready-to-go lunch or dinner during your busy weeknight. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer bag—it will keep for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker brown sugar chicken recipe is a lifesaver for anyone who needs an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With a little bit sweet and a touch of savory, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or trying to survive a chaotic evening, this recipe is perfect for keeping you fed without all the stress.

So, grab your crock pot and give this mouthwatering dish a try. Trust me, the delicious flavors will have everyone around the table asking for more! Don’t forget to check out the affiliate links below for some of my favorite kitchen tools that make this recipe even easier to whip up.

If you love slow cooker recipes, check out our delicious Honey-Garlic Chicken recipe for more easy-prep meals.