If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically makes itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. It wonderfully balances the perfect amount of sweetness and gentle heat with tender chicken breasts cooked low and slow alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions. The sauce is rich with garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy, creating a dish that is both satisfying and easy enough for any weeknight. Trust me, this recipe will soon become your go-to when you want a fuss-free meal bursting with delicious flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and harmony of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: tender chicken provides the hearty base, sweet chili sauce layers in a tangy sweetness and gentle kick, while fresh vegetables add color and crunch to complete the dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering tender protein that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings a delightful combination of sweetness and mild heat essential for that signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami punch to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the overall taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic intensity.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a warm, zesty spice that complements the sweetness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Contributes a slight bitterness to balance the flavors.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and soft texture after slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for even thickening without lumps.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a fresh, nutty finish just before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Start with the chicken
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the hearty foundation that will soak up all the delicious sauce and become wonderfully tender as it simmers.
Step 2: Mix the flavorful sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir it thoroughly until everything is well blended and bursting with savory, sweet, and zesty goodness.
Step 3: Pour and layer
Pour the vibrant sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are completely coated. Then, layer on the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion slices—these fresh vegetables will soften and impart natural sweetness.
Step 4: Season and cook
Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking to bring out the flavors. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and infused with the sauce, while the veggies become perfectly soft but still colorful.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
As the next step, mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker’s sauce to thicken it up. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes so the sauce gets rich and glossy.
Step 6: Garnish and get ready to serve
Right before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top of your slow cooker sweet chili chicken to add that fresh, nutty pop. Now you’re ready to dive into this heartwarming dish!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and add subtle layers of flavor, I love topping this dish with finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. They add a fresh crunch and a slightly nutty aroma that complements the sweet chili sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want to add more veggies on the side, steamed broccoli or snap peas provide a fresh, crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the sweet chili chicken inside warm tortilla wraps with some shredded lettuce and a drizzle of creamy mayo. You could also pile the chicken over crisp lettuce to make a flavorful salad bowl. The versatility is part of what makes this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe so delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, this dish freezes well. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and maintain that lovely glossy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe as they stay juicy and offer a deeper flavor after slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more heat, you can always add extra fresh chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Do I need to add extra sugar or sweetener?
The sweet chili sauce already contains the right balance of sweetness, so there’s no need to add any additional sugar. This keeps the dish perfectly balanced.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then simply start cooking in the morning for a fresh meal by dinner time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and sweet chili sauce varieties. Always check labels to be sure!
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a cozy hug after a long day and makes weeknight dinners a breeze, this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is your answer. Its gorgeous balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors plus that melt-in-your-mouth chicken will have you coming back for seconds and sharing it with everyone you know. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 6h 30m
- Total Time: 6h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slowly cooked with a sweet and tangy chili sauce, complemented by bell peppers and onions, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort. The sauce is thickened towards the end for a perfect coating, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Thickening & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to fully incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Add vegetables: Layer the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion on top of the chicken and sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables and chicken to taste.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, ensuring it blends well.
- Simmer: Allow the sauce to thicken for an additional 15-20 minutes, keeping the slow cooker uncovered to help the sauce reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for a fresh and crunchy finish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce mix.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in wraps or salads.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat settings for best results.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
