This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a crave-worthy combination of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one dish. Each bite of chicken is infused with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and a tangy-sweet sauce, all slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Perfect served over a bowl of steaming rice, this recipe is a great go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. It’s easy to assemble, requires minimal hands-on time, and is packed with flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 cup sweet chili sauce
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons honey
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 small onion, sliced
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Cooked rice (for serving)
Directions:
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Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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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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Layer the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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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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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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Once the sauce has thickened, serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Kcal: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a dish that beautifully blends the sweet, savory, and spicy elements of Asian-inspired cuisine into a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal. This dish is perfect for home cooks who crave bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker simplifies the process, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. As the chicken simmers low and slow in a blend of sweet chili sauce, soy, garlic, ginger, and other delicious flavors, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility. Whether you’re using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, the results are always juicy and satisfying. Paired with rice and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is both visually appealing and deliciously balanced in flavor.
Flavor Profile and Inspiration
The flavor of Sweet Chili Chicken is all about contrast and harmony. The sweet chili sauce provides a gentle heat and sweetness, balanced by the saltiness of soy sauce and the slight tang of rice vinegar. Fresh garlic and ginger add a layer of aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. When these ingredients come together in a slow cooker, they create a deeply infused flavor that seeps into every fiber of the chicken.
This dish is inspired by popular flavors found in Thai and Chinese cuisine, where the balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour is key. Sweet chili sauce, a staple in Southeast Asian kitchens, gives this recipe its distinctive kick, without being overpowering. Combined with more common pantry ingredients, it makes for a globally-inspired yet easily accessible meal.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker for this dish does more than just make cooking easy—it significantly enhances the flavors. Cooking low and slow allows the chicken to soak up every bit of the sweet and spicy sauce, resulting in meat that’s fork-tender and packed with flavor. The long cooking process also ensures that the vegetables become soft and blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding both nutrition and texture.
For busy individuals, the convenience of a slow cooker is invaluable. You can simply add all the ingredients in the morning and come home to a fully cooked, aromatic meal in the evening. It eliminates the need for constant supervision or stirring, making it an efficient solution for anyone who wants homemade food with minimal effort.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Sweet Chili Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The most common and comforting pairing is a bowl of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the rich, flavorful sauce. For a healthier alternative, you could serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make excellent side dishes, complementing the savory profile of the chicken. For a crunch factor, consider a simple Asian-style slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing. Garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds not only enhance the presentation but also add an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use the shredded sweet chili chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps, tacos, or sandwiches, giving you a whole new way to enjoy the same recipe.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is how universally appealing it is. The mild sweetness of the chili sauce makes it kid-friendly, while the subtle spice keeps adult palates intrigued. You can always adjust the heat level by using a spicier chili sauce or adding crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
This dish is also perfect for gatherings. It’s easy to scale up the recipe, and since the slow cooker does all the work, you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Set up a rice or noodle bar with different toppings and sauces for a DIY-style dinner party that’s both fun and customizable.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Sweet Chili Chicken is a fantastic recipe for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply portion the chicken and sauce into airtight containers or zip-top bags. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Because it pairs well with a variety of grains and vegetables, you can change up the sides each day to keep your meals interesting throughout the week. Consider preparing a big batch on a Sunday and enjoying effortless lunches or dinners all week long.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
This recipe offers a wholesome balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full. The vegetables contribute essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. While sweet chili sauce does contain sugar, the rest of the ingredients like ginger and garlic offer natural health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
To make the dish even healthier, you can reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce slightly and substitute it with extra vinegar or a splash of citrus juice to maintain the tang without as much sugar. Using low-sodium soy sauce and opting for skinless chicken helps keep the sodium and fat content in check.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this dish lies in how easily it can be customized to suit different diets and preferences. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. If you follow a gluten-free diet, make sure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check the labels of your sweet chili sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.
To add more heat, mix in sriracha or sambal oelek with the sauce. For extra richness, a spoonful of peanut butter or coconut milk can be added to the sauce mixture before cooking, transforming it into a creamy sweet chili peanut chicken. You can also include more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas to make the dish even heartier and more colorful.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is more than just an easy meal—it’s a flavorful experience that brings the vibrant tastes of Asia into your home kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade meal without the stress of constant monitoring or complicated cooking techniques.
From its rich, sweet-spicy sauce to its juicy, fork-tender chicken, every element of this dish is crafted for comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers in taste, convenience, and versatility. Give it a try and let this bold, aromatic dish become a new favorite in your recipe collection.