Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its balance of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and tender chicken. It’s an effortless recipe that requires little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sweet and spicy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served over rice or as a wrap, this dish is adaptable to fit your meal preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stirring to thicken.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce.
- Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated.
- Serve over rice or with your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 4-6 hours on low
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the slow cooker to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Spicy version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to intensify the heat.
- Chicken thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and a slightly juicier result.
- Honey alternatives: If you prefer, substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a pan over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little water or chicken broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
2. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate it, and cook it the day you plan to serve it.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simply mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker during the final stages of cooking.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe and will add extra richness and juiciness.
7. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Cook the chicken on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce.
8. What can I serve this with?
Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a delicious meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables.
9. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped chili pepper to heat it up.
10. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a meal that’s easy to prepare but full of flavor. With tender chicken and a sweet, spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making this a convenient choice for busy days. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in wraps, this dish is both versatile and delicious. Enjoy!
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6servings
Description
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one delicious meal. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a sweet chili sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, serve this dish over rice, noodles, or wraps for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to thicken.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce.
- Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to ensure the sauce is thickened and the chicken is coated.
- Serve over rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add finely chopped jalapeños.
- Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for juicier chicken.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Fusion
