Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Let’s dive into a dish that has been a comforting staple in my kitchen—Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken. Picture this: a busy weeknight, the sunlight dipping below the horizon, and the smell of savory goodness wafting through the air. This recipe effortlessly marries convenience and taste, making it a go-to for anyone who loves a solid, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to want to have this in your recipe arsenal; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, what makes this dish sing? It’s all about the explosion of flavors that come together in the slow cooker. Sweet chili sauce brings an irresistible sweetness paired with the salty undertones of soy sauce, while garlic and ginger pump up the flavor profile to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a pot of joy—your family will be dancing around the table asking for seconds! Plus, the chicken thighs (or breasts, your call!) come out so tender they practically fall apart at the slightest nudge. And let’s not forget about the vibrant bell peppers—they not only taste great but also add a pop of color that makes your plate Instagram-ready. I love how this recipe gives you flexibility. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, needing a weeknight meal, or prepping for meal prep, this beauty has got your back.

Gather these ingredients

• Chicken: Grab 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, whichever you prefer. Thighs offer juiciness that cannot be matched, but if you’re a breast person, they’ll work too.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: You’ll need 1 cup of this sweet, sticky concoction. It’s the star of the show, providing a sweet-savory base.
• Soy Sauce: A quarter cup of low-sodium soy sauce deepens the flavor without overpowering it. The low-sodium version allows you to control the saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: Just 2 tablespoons will brighten the mix; it cuts through the sweetness and balances everything.
• Honey: Two tablespoons add an extra layer of sweetness. It’s like a party in your mouth when combined!
• Garlic & Ginger: You’ll need 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for those aromatic vibes. They create a beautiful foundation for the sauce.
• Bell Peppers & Onion: Slice up a red and a yellow bell pepper and a small onion—these not only taste awesome but also add a vibrant splash of color.
• Cornstarch & Water: A quick slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water will help thicken the sauce beautifully.
• Garnishes: Don’t forget the green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of flair!
• Cooked Rice: Serve this delicious chicken over a fluffy bed of rice to soak up all that gorgeous sauce.

Preparing Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lay the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s always good to give it a cozy base.

2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Until it’s combined and you’re left with a harmonious fusion of flavors—this step is crucial!

3. Add Vegetables: Layer on the sliced bell peppers and onion. They marry beautifully with the chicken and provide extra flavor and texture.

4. Combine and Cook: Pour your lush sauce over the chicken and veggies. Make sure everything is even and well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just peek in occasionally—you’ll want to inhale that heavenly aroma.

5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, make the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this magic mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken things up. Cover and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes.

6. Serve: Dish up the sweet chili chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that “wow” factor.

What to serve it with

This dish is wonderfully versatile, so you have plenty of options! Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli for some greens or whip up a fresh salad for a refreshing crunch. Feel free to toss in some nuts for extra texture. If you’ve got some fluffy naan or rice paper wrappers at home, they make great accompaniments too! Oh, and don’t neglect those garnish options; they add not just flavor but a visual pop that’ll impress dinner guests.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If, by some miracle, you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just a heads-up: be sure to let your chicken cool before sealing it up; this prevents condensation and keeps the sauce scrumptiously thick. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will do, or toss it back in the slow cooker for a bit to let those flavors meld together again.

Pro chef tips

• Control the heat: If you prefer a little kick, toss in some chopped red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
• Go for low and slow: Cooking on low is ideal—your chicken will be more tender, and those flavors will deepen beautifully.
• Use what you have: Got a random vegetable in the fridge? Toss it in! Zucchini, carrots, or snap peas work well here.

Recipe variations

The beauty of this slow cooker darling is that it’s a blank canvas. Swap in different proteins—pork tenderloin can be equally marvelous. Feel like playing around? Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist, or mix in some black beans for extra heartiness. And if you’re looking to ditch the rice, serve this on a bed of quinoa for a nuttier flavor.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Just know that breasts may cook a bit differently, so keep an eye on them.
2. Is this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or tamari.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing in a freezer-safe container.
4. How long does this take to cook? On low, 6-7 hours or 3-4 hours on high, but the smell will likely tempt you long before it’s ready!
5. What should I serve with it? Fluffy rice is a winner, but consider pairing it with a crunchy salad or roasted veggies if you want to keep things light.

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a game changer for busy nights and those lazy weekends when you just want to relax. So, give it a try! Customize it, make it your own, and don’t forget to come back and share how it turned out. After all, cooking is best enjoyed when we share and connect over our love for good food.

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Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6-7 mins Total Time 21 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, featuring tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (Use thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.)
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (The star of the show.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup low-sodium soy sauce (Controls saltiness.)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Balances sweetness.)
• 2 tablespoons honey (Additional layer of sweetness.)
• 3 cloves minced garlic (For aromatic flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (Adds depth of flavor.)
• 1 small onion (Sliced, for added flavor.)
• 1 each red bell pepper (Sliced, for color and taste.)
• 1 each yellow bell pepper (Sliced, for color and taste.)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (For thickening the sauce.)
• 2 tablespoons water (To mix with cornstarch.)
• as needed green onions (For garnish.)
• as needed sesame seeds (For garnish.)
• as needed cooked rice (To serve with the dish.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

   Lay the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker for a cozy base.
   Mark as complete

2. Make the Sauce

   In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger until combined.
   This step is crucial for a harmonious flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Vegetables

   Layer the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine and Cook

   Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   Peek in occasionally to enjoy the aroma.
   Mark as complete

5. Thicken the Sauce

   Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve the sweet chili chicken over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
   Add any additional garnishes you like.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 110mg37%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 15g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 30 IU

Vitamin C 70 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.5 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is versatile; you can add different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

Keywords: slow cooker, sweet chili chicken, easy dinner, comfort food