If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness, this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy, slightly spicy sweet chili glaze create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a dish packed with vibrant flavor and satisfying texture that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor. Each item plays an essential role, from the rich, juicy chicken thighs to the bright kick of soy sauce, balancing savory and sweet in every bite.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs offer juiciness and tenderness, but breasts are a leaner alternative if preferred.
- ¾ cup sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the glaze, providing that signature sweet heat and glossy finish.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the slow cooker base, infusing flavor into the chicken as it cooks.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat and aromatics.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings an umami punch and salty balance to the sweetness.
- ¼ cup chicken broth (for thickening): Used later to make the sauce silky and luscious.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: A great thickening agent that turns the cooking liquid into a beautiful glaze.
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, snipped: Adds a burst of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Glaze Ingredients
Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker. This flavorful glaze is the heart of the dish, so mixing it thoroughly ensures every bite will have that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker on top of the glaze. Use a spoon to coat the chicken with some of the sauce mixture. This allows the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors deeply as it slowly cooks throughout the day.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Resist the urge to peek inside too often—keeping the lid closed maintains an ideal moisture level so your chicken stays juicy and tender, soaking in all the yummy sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it or cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir it into the glaze. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy consistency that beautifully clings to every piece of chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finish by garnishing your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken with freshly snipped cilantro for a fresh, herbal contrast. Serve it over fluffy rice, noodles, or your favorite grain to soak up that irresistible sauce. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on any table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped cilantro brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh aroma that complements the warm, spicy notes of the dish perfectly. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions for extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken goes beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine or basmati rice, quinoa, or even coconut rice for a tropical touch. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, offer a fresh, crisp contrast to the soft, tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe into tacos by piling the shredded chicken into warm tortillas and topping with crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime. You can also use it as a filling for rice paper rolls or as a vibrant topping for a hearty salad bowl loaded with fresh produce and avocado slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the busy week.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Properly stored in the freezer, it will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much in the fridge. Alternatively, microwaving in a covered dish works well for a quick meal, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier when slow-cooked, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful they may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for a low oven bake or a stovetop simmer. Use a covered baking dish and cook chicken at 300°F (150°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or simmer on low heat on the stove until tender, stirring occasionally.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides a mild to moderate heat with a pleasant sweetness. If you like extra spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe is designed for chicken, but you can try substituting with firm tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth. Keep in mind the cooking times and textures will differ, so adjust as needed.
Do I have to thicken the sauce?
Thickening the sauce is optional but highly recommended for a luscious, restaurant-quality finish. If you prefer a thinner sauce for dipping or spooning over rice, you can skip the cornstarch step without compromising much on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a true gem that brings cozy comfort and exciting flavor to your dinner table with very little fuss. It’s the perfect meal to prepare ahead and enjoy anytime you crave something hearty, sweet, and a little spicy. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to create such a memorable dish that everyone will be asking for again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sweet chili glaze. Perfectly slow-cooked for six hours, the chicken absorbs the rich blend of chili sauce, soy, and spices, then is topped with a thickened sauce and fresh cilantro. Ideal for a hands-off, comforting meal served over rice or your preferred grain.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Glaze
- ¾ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Sauce Thickener
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
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, kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker, making sure they are coated evenly by spooning some of the glaze mixture over the top.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain moisture and allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup chicken broth and the cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the glaze. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, cover, and cook for another 20-30 minutes on LOW until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Garnish the sweet chili chicken with freshly snipped cilantro. Serve it over steamed rice or your favorite grain for a full and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat, but chicken breasts are a leaner alternative.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to prevent heat loss and maintain moisture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
