Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a culinary delight that combines the ease of slow cooking with the vibrant flavors of sweet chili sauce.
This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, while the sweet chili sauce infuses every bite with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
- Over Rice: Serve the sweet chili chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful.
- With Noodles: Pair the chicken with Asian-style noodles, such as rice noodles or lo mein, for a different texture and a satisfying meal.
- With Vegetables: Accompany the dish with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add freshness and crunch.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) for a tasty and low-carb alternative.
- With a Side Salad: Complement the dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and carrot, dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- On a Bed of Quinoa: Substitute quinoa for rice for a nutritious and protein-packed base.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil for an added burst of flavor and color.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside some quick-pickled vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, or carrots for a tangy contrast to the sweet chili sauce.
- As a Sandwich: Use the sweet chili chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, topped with crunchy slaw for added texture.
These serving suggestions will help you enjoy your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken in a variety of delicious ways!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer or minimally overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Alternatively, if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sweet chili sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, or baby corn. Add delicate vegetables like broccoli towards the end of cooking (the last 30 minutes) to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
- Pre-cook the Onions and Peppers: For an added layer of flavor, sauté the onions and bell peppers in a little oil until they begin to soften before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Check the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Double the Recipe: If you want leftovers or are cooking for a crowd, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
- Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and well-cooked Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken that’s sure to be a hit!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, but it will increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and cook the sauce on high until it reduces, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the slow cook function or the pressure cook function for faster results.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing honey, hot sauce, and a splash of vinegar.
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
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
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- 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.
- Add Vegetables:Layer the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve:Once the sauce has thickened, serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice.Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.