Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy and convenient but bursting with flavor. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy, while the sweet chili sauce adds a perfect combination of sweetness and spice. With the added crunch from bell peppers and the depth of ginger and garlic, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile and can be served with your favorite sides or rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken and sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Shred the Chicken: While the sauce is thickening, shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce and vegetables.
6. Serve: Serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and crunch.
• Spicy version: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
• Chicken breasts or thighs: If you prefer a leaner cut, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but note that breasts may dry out slightly if cooked for too long.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time. It may take an additional 1-2 hours to cook thoroughly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish the night before and store everything in the slow cooker insert in the fridge. In the morning, just plug it in and cook as directed.

Can I use a different kind of sauce?

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the sweet chili sauce for hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar.

How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

To reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce and reduce the honey amount or omit it entirely.

Can I add more heat to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add a bit of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies to give it more heat.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes, this dish can be served with quinoa, noodles, or even a green salad if you prefer a lighter meal.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a flour-based slurry as a substitute for cornstarch if you prefer.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great option to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is perfectly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Paired with rice and topped with sesame seeds and green onions, it makes for an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Print