This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and savory Asian-inspired glaze. The chicken simmers in a blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and broth, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking method in the slow cooker.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The sweet chili glaze infuses the chicken with a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. You can serve this chicken with a variety of sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this chicken and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken:
For the Glaze:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
For the Thickened Glaze:
- Chicken broth: Used to make a slurry with the cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the glaze.
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish and a fresh herb flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In the bottom of a large slow cooker, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and soy sauce until well combined. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure they are well coated.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain the moisture and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 3: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of chicken broth until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the cooking liquid and whisk to combine. Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the slow cooker, cover, and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
- Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the glaze, such as minced garlic, ginger, or a squeeze of lime juice.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
- With Rice: Serve the Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice.
- With Noodles: You can also serve it over noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein.
- With Vegetables: Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- In Salads or Wraps: Use the cooked chicken in salads or wraps for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may be more prone to drying out during the long cooking time.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the chicken in a skillet, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer on the stovetop for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken that’s perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
PrintSlow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is an easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a delicious sweet chili sauce and cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, resulting in a juicy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
For the Thickened Glaze:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Garnish:
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, snipped
Instructions
- Combine Glaze Ingredients: In the bottom of a large slow cooker, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and spoon some of the glaze over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain moisture.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and whisk into the glaze. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with snipped cilantro and serve over rice or your favorite grain.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts can be substituted.
- The level of heat in this recipe is mild, but you can add chili garlic sauce for extra spice.
- Leftovers are delicious in salads or wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg