Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful dish that brings flavors to life in an effortless way. This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious sweet chili sauce, vegetables, and a hint of spice, making it a favorite for families busy with life’s activities. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to consider making Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work. This means more time for you to relax or spend time with your loved ones.
Another compelling reason is the flavor. The combination of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh ginger creates a mouthwatering coating for the chicken, which absorbs all these flavors over the slow cooking time. Plus, it’s a comforting dish that pairs well with rice, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the spice level, use different vegetables, or serve it with a variety of sides to keep things interesting. It’s a wonderful way to introduce new flavors to your dinner table while keeping things simple.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a dish that everyone will love:
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)
Directions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
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Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tips for Success Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
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Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts will work, using thighs adds more moisture and flavor, resulting in a juicier dish.
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Prepping Vegetables: Cut your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook through at the same rate. You can mix up the veggies by adding carrots or snap peas for added color and texture.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
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Don’t Open the Lid: Try to resist the temptation to check on the chicken while it’s cooking. Each time you open the slow cooker, you let out heat, which can affect cooking time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the flavor significantly, but bottled versions can be used in a pinch.
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Set a Timer: If you’re short on time, using the high setting and cooking for 3-4 hours is just as effective, but be sure to check doneness before serving.
Flavor Variations Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
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Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, include pineapple chunks in the slow cooker. The sweetness from the fruit pairs well with the chili sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a tablespoon of sriracha for a spicier version.
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Make it Thai: Add a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamy, Thai-inspired version.
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Add Nuts: Top your dish off with cashews or peanuts just before serving for extra crunch and flavor.
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Use Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp to cater to different dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is best served over fluffy cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider these additional serving ideas:
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Lettuce Wraps: Serve the sweet chili chicken in crispy lettuce leaves for a refreshing and low-carb option.
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Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or spaghetti, for a delightful meal.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate.
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Quinoa: For a healthier grain alternative, serve it over quinoa, which will enhance the protein content of your meal.
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Side Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the sweetness of the chicken nicely.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
To store leftover Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
If you wish to freeze it, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it, and reheat accordingly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQ About Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Using frozen chicken is not recommended, as it can result in uneven cooking. For best results, thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, snap peas, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary if you’re adding denser vegetables.
How can I make this recipe low-carb?
To make it low-carb, omit the rice and serve the sweet chili chicken with steamed vegetables or over a bed of cauliflower rice instead.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is perfect for meal prep! It reheats well and is great for lunches throughout the week.
How can I reduce sodium in this recipe?
To reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and measuring out the sauces carefully. You can also dilute the sauces with a bit of water or broth for a lighter flavor.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a beloved dish for any occasion. With minimal prep time and the magic of the slow cooker, you can serve a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors and serving options to make this dish uniquely yours. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with family or friends, and savor the convenience and fantastic taste of this heartwarming meal!
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken with sweet chili sauce and fresh vegetables, cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
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)
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Layer the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion on top of the chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the dish significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian