Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts cooked low and slow in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Vibrant bell peppers and onions enhance the dish, which is finished with a thickened sauce and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect served over steamed rice, it’s an effortless, deliciously saucy meal ideal for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until thoroughly combined, creating a balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and sliced onion on top of the chicken in the slow cooker to infuse the dish with vibrant flavors and textures.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure all ingredients are coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to the desired consistency, serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness by varying the amount of sweet chili sauce or adding chili flakes if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, sweet chili chicken, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, Asian chicken, weeknight dinner, crockpot chicken