This recipe for Crock Pot Sticky Chicken is sweet and tangy and, well…sticky!
This Crock Pot Sticky Chicken is one of my all-time favorite slow cooker recipes. I’ve tried several similar recipes, but I’ve found this to the be absolute BEST sticky chicken recipe.
I’m a sucker for a slow cooker recipe. As a working mom with a full-time job, I take whatever help I can get when it comes to dinner. And, my slow cooker
is my favorite helper!
I’m always on the look out for easy and tasty slow cooker chicken breast recipes. As soon as I made this Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken I knew it would be a winner!
Best Sticky Chicken Recipe
This recipe has it all going on. I just love the rich and sweet tomato flavor. It’s deep and rich and kicked up with fresh ginger and garlic. I seriously think everything is better with garlic and ginger. They’re two of my all time favorite flavor boosters.
How to Make Sticky Chicken
This recipe is definitely a keeper – it was really good! It was packed with flavor. And so easy to make — a perfect recipe in my book.
You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy sticky chicken recipe. The incredible sauce is a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic and tomato paste.
The recipe calls for cayenne but it’s not too spicy. If you don’t like spice, you can easily omit it – it won’t change the flavor profile too much.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
One of the things I love about this recipe is you can use chicken breast or chicken thighs. I’ve made it both ways and it’s incredible. If you’re planning to use chicken breasts, you should use the thicker ones. Thin sliced chicken breasts will dry out very quickly.
When I make this recipe with chicken thighs, you can use bone in or boneless. It’s up to you. These slow cooker chicken thighs will cook for a long time so it’s pretty flexible.
You may be tempted to skip the broiling part of the recipe, but don’t. This final step is what makes this recipe one of the best slow cooker recipes of all time. And, any recipe that calls for fresh ginger is a winner in my book.
Be sure to check out these best slow cooker recipes of all time and my slow cooker tips and tricks.
My Favorite Slow Cooker Items
- My favorite slow cooker
- My favorite casserole slow cooker
- Disposable slow cooker liners <= I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT THESE!
- Slow cooker travel bag
- Slow Cooker Essentials
My Favorite Slow Cooker Cookbooks
- Slow Cooker Revolution
- Fix It and Forget It Big Cookbook
- The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You May Enjoy
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Garlic Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken
Looking for more? Check out all of the best slow cooker recipes on It Is a Keeper.
Get even more of the best slow cooker recipes of all time on my Slow Cooker Pinterest board.
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ⭐
Crock Pot Sticky Chicken
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown sugar - divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce - divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger - minced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic - minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 3 pounds chicken - breast, thighs, legs, etc.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Instructions
- Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce , ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a bowl or zipper bag; add chicken and toss to coat.
- Place in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours or until done.
- When done place chicken in a broiler proof dish and preheat the broiler.
- Combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, water, and tomato paste, and remaining soy sauce.
- Brush on chicken and cook under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until chicken is slightly crisp. Keep a close watch on the chicken under the broiler.
Nutrition
- Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust!
- When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
- I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat. This one is my favorite.
- When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
- The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate. Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.
Tina says
Just a general FYI. The link the Fix It and Forget it Big book actually goes to the Slow Cooker Revolution. Also thanks for your website lots of good info and The Sticky Chicken looks delicious!!
Diane says
Hi can I make this in a conventional oven ?? If so what would th3 cooking times be ?? Many thanks
Christina Hitchcock says
You can absolutely make it in a conventional oven, although I never have. I’m not sure what the cooking would be – it would definitely depend on the cut and thickness of the chicken.
Jennifer says
Was just wondering if I wanted to do bone in skin on chicken. Would that change the Cooke time and tempter ?
Christina Hitchcock says
I don’t think so, but definitely use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s 165 degrees.
Paula says
Chris, have you ever tried this with boneless country style ribs? Seems like a good fit! Would you switch up the tomato paste, since it’s pork? Maybe barbecue sauce? Thanks!
Christina Hitchcock says
I haven’t but it should work perfectly! It’s a great sauce recipe.
j trinkaus says
I don’t see any beer in this.
What am I missing?
Christina Hitchcock says
There is no beer in this recipe.
Deb says
Looks like beer was must have been in the original recipe, as the option to sub a non-alcoholic version is given.
Christina Hitchcock says
There’s no beer in this recipe. I’m not seeing where it mentions non-alcoholic beer either. But, I think I am going to try it with beer next time! Thanks for inspiring me!
Jeannette says
I’m confused. Is there or is there not supposed to be liquid of some sort—beer, water, whatever—in with the coated chicken while it is in the slow cooker?
Christina Hitchcock says
Not in this recipe. The liquid is from the soy sauce, plus the chicken will release its juices too.
Ilka says
What do you like to serve with this dish?
Christina Hitchcock says
Usually I serve rice and broccoli or green beans.
Heather P. says
Is it possible to cook the chicken on low for 8 – 10 hours since I don’t have 4 hours in a row to cook this before I’m home for dinner at night or would that way overcook this? Perhaps I could pre-cook the first step and just broil it when I get home to heat it up? Has anyone tried either of those approaches yet? Thanks!!
Christina says
Hi Heather! I always cook my chicken for about 8 hours. I put in before leaving for work and then finish it off when I get home. I works just fine. I do use the thickest chicken breasts I can find though. I’m fearful that the thin ones would be waaaaaay overdone.
Good luck! 🙂
Christina
Gayle says
Is this supposed to cook 4 hours on Low or High?
Christina Hitchcock says
Low
Jessica says
I know I cant use my Pyrex dish under the broiler or it will crack, but I was wondering if I could use my metal 9×13? Im making this tonight and I dont want to have to run to the store for a new pan.
Christina says
I’ve used my metal pan under the broiler without problems. I would think you would be OK too! I hope you enjoy the dish! 🙂
Julie says
I can’t wait to try making this! I’m thinking Valentine’s Day will be that day. I just have a question, what can you do if your stove is a bit older and doesn’t have a broiler?
Christina says
Hope you like it! 🙂 I would try cooking the sauce down a bit in a pan on the stove if you don’t have a broiler. Let me know how you make out!
Anwar says
What a fast way to cook a cichken! We’re not much for beer at our house, but I’m wondering if cichken broth or water work work, too. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Christina says
I would definitely try subbing chicken broth for the beer. Or, maybe a non-alcoholic beer? Let me know how you make out! 🙂
Kim says
I found you through ‘Under the Table and Dreaming’ – this recipe looks amazing! I am always looking for slow cooker recipes and will definitely try this.
Thanks!
Kim
Kim of Mo'Betta says
I made this a while back and my kids loved it, I need to make it again soon!
Mrs. Jen B says
Love! I’ll be sharing this one with my hubby, as he’s been searching for new crock pot recipes for a while now. Thanks!
Kelly says
I make this regularly, it’s a family favorite meal! Kelly @ Semi Homemade Mom
Christina says
🙂 YUMMMM!
MaryAnn Coggins says
That looks so good Chris. I’m wondering if you could use boneless chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken? By the way, I love your blog….<3
Christina says
Yep! That’s what I used…boneless, skinless! It was fantastic!
Thanks for the kind words! 🙂
MaryAnn Coggins says
I just happen to have boneless skinless chicken breasts in the freezer…:-) I will definitely try this Chris!!! Thanks for your response.
Jenn says
Sounds yummy! I love crockpot dishes lately!
Lisa says
Oh I can’t wait to try this! I love sticky chicken, but never made it in the crock pot! Please stop over and share at Mix it up Monday:
http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/2012/01/mix-it-up-monday_29.html#more
I hope to see you soon!
Iraj says
Are you triyng to make me drool over my keyboard? All these treats and dinners look fantastic. Holy moly. I’m seriously wanting to jump through my computer!