This slow cooker 4-ingredient sweet ketchup chicken is the kind of easy dinner that saves a busy day and still feels like something everybody will be excited to eat. The sauce cooks down into a sweet, tangy, sticky glaze that clings to tender chicken until it is ready to fall right off the bone, and because it uses just a handful of pantry staples, it is a comforting recipe that works especially well when you want big flavor without a lot of fuss.
Serve this chicken over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to catch every bit of the sauce. It is also great with simple summer sides like green beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a crisp cucumber salad, and if you are feeding a crowd, a basket of warm rolls on the side makes it feel extra homey.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Sweet Ketchup Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup soy sauce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer in the crock.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning the pieces gently if needed so they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
5. Carefully transfer the chicken to plates or a serving platter and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make it kid-friendly: If your family prefers a milder tang, use a little less soy sauce and serve the chicken shredded over rice so every bite gets just a bit of the sweet sauce. This is a nice option for picky eaters who may be unsure about bone-in pieces.
Use chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks work beautifully here and stay juicy in the slow cooker. Just keep the cooking time about the same and make sure they reach a safe internal temperature before serving.
Thicken the sauce: If you want the glaze even thicker, remove the cooked chicken and pour the sauce into a saucepan. Simmer it for a few minutes on the stove until it reduces to a stickier finish, then spoon it back over the chicken.
Add a little extra flavor: While the four main ingredients are enough on their own, a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of apple cider vinegar can give the sauce a little more depth if you have those on hand.
Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely for lunch the next day. The chicken is also delicious shredded into sandwiches or tucked into wraps with crunchy slaw.