Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and totally hands-off, you’ve come to the right place.
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—tender chicken thighs simmered in a sticky, tangy-sweet chili sauce that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. You’ll be whisking together a simple sweet chili sauce and seasoning your chicken thighs. Don’t worry—it’s as easy as it sounds!
2. Layer It Up
Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker and pour that gorgeous sauce over the top. Make sure every piece is coated so the flavors can work their magic.
3. Let It Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its thing for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead. The chicken will become fall-apart tender, and the sauce will thicken into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
4. Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir it around to soak up all that saucy goodness. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with a side of veggies—it’s totally up to you!
Pro Tips
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra saucy dishes, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or dipping!
- Add Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
- Spice It Up: If you like it hot, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Description
Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a sticky, tangy-sweet chili sauce, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with your favorite veggies!
Ingredients
For Slurry:
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or with your favorite sides. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger crowds.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
