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Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious, hassle-free meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy chili sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also versatile, making it ideal for serving with rice, vegetables, or in wraps.

The sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro add a refreshing touch, making the dish both visually appealing and flavorful.

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Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

This dish is perfect for families or meal prepping. Its balance of sweetness and mild heat makes it a favorite among both adults and kids.

Serve it over rice, in tacos, with roasted vegetables, or in wraps—this recipe is adaptable to a variety of dietary preferences and works with many side dishes, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 12

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it using two forks and mix it into the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro before serving.

why this dish is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation:

1. Effortless Preparation:
One of the standout benefits of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients—typically chicken, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and optional aromatics like garlic and ginger—you can assemble everything in the slow cooker within minutes. Once set, the slow cooker handles the rest, allowing you to attend to other tasks or simply relax.

2. Flavorful Harmony:
The combination of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and umami, with a hint of heat. As the chicken slow-cooks, it absorbs these flavors, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s rich and satisfying.

3. Versatility in Serving:
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The flavorful sauce complements a variety of sides, making it easy to pair with whatever you have on hand.

4. Customizable to Taste:
Whether you prefer a milder dish or something with a kick, Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken can be adjusted to suit your palate. Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for more heat, or incorporate vegetables like bell peppers and onions to enhance texture and nutrition.

5. Ideal for Meal Prep:
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a batch ahead of time, and store portions in the refrigerator or freezer. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. It’s a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

6. Health-Conscious Cooking:
By preparing this dish at home, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to make healthier choices. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce, lean cuts of chicken, and add plenty of vegetables to create a balanced, nutritious meal.

Preparing Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. To ensure your dish turns out perfectly and to explore creative serving ideas, consider the following tips and suggestions:

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs over breasts, as thighs remain juicier and more tender during slow cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer or with minimal overlap in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Marinate for Enhanced Flavor: For a deeper taste, marinate the chicken in the sweet chili sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before placing it in the slow cooker.
Monitor Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
Add Vegetables Wisely: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas. To prevent them from becoming too soft, add delicate vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
Pre-Sauté Aromatics: For an added layer of flavor, sauté onions and bell peppers in a little oil until they begin to soften before adding them to the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions:

Over Rice: Serve the sweet chili chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, making each bite delightful.
With Noodles: Pair the chicken with Asian-style noodles, such as rice noodles or lo mein, for a different texture and a satisfying meal.
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.
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.
On a Bed of Quinoa: Substitute quinoa for rice for a nutritious and protein-packed base.
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.

By following these tips and serving ideas, you can create a versatile and delicious meal that caters to various preferences and occasions. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken:

1. Choose a Quality Sweet Chili Sauce

The key to this recipe’s flavor is the sweet chili sauce. Look for a sauce with a good balance of sweetness and spice. Some sauces can be overly sugary, while others lack the necessary kick. Choosing a high-quality sauce will make a noticeable difference in the final result, adding depth to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Although the slow cooker is perfect for cooking chicken until it’s tender, it’s important not to overdo it. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours is ideal. Check the chicken a little early to ensure it remains juicy. Overcooking can cause the chicken to dry out, so keep an eye on the time!

3. Shred the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it in the sauce to allow it to soak up even more of the delicious flavor. Use two forks to gently pull apart the chicken for the perfect shredded texture. This shredded chicken is great for serving over rice, in sandwiches, or in wraps.

4. Customize the Sauce

Feel free to tweak the sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add extra honey. For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with additional flavors like ginger or garlic powder to personalize the sauce even further. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to adjust the sauce to create a version that fits your preferences perfectly.

In summary, Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken offers a delectable combination of flavors with the convenience of easy preparation. Its adaptability and suitability for meal prep make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire.