Delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Ready in: 8 hours · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Quick Answer

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful, set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings warmth and flavor to your holiday table.

There’s something magical about the cold-weather months in New York City, particularly as we gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The bustling streets are filled with the warm scent of roasted chestnuts and the festive glow of holiday decorations. This season brings an invitation to gather with friends and family, and I find that sharing a comforting dish can make those moments even more special. One of my current favorites is this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken, a dish that not only warms your home but also fills it with delicious aromas.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is not just a meal; it’s comfort on a plate, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation with a slow cooker that allows you to set it and forget it.
• A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will crave.
• Ideal for cozy gatherings during the festive season.
• Versatile enough to serve over rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients

Gather these simple and flavorful ingredients to create your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Sauce

• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy recommended)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

For the Vegetables

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing

• Fresh cilantro
• Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Get ready to enjoy an aromatic and comforting dish with these easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. The sound of the chicken hitting the ceramic base is incredibly satisfying.

Step 2: Add the Sauces

Drizzle the sweet chili sauce over the chicken and watch it glisten. Next, add the soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together so that the chicken is fully coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables

Now, toss in the colorful bell pepper and sliced onion. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also brighten the dish visually. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. As the hours pass, enjoy the comforting aroma that fills your home, signaling a delicious meal ahead.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

When it’s time to serve, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded with forks. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over fluffy cooked rice or quinoa. Enjoy this delightful dish surrounded by loved ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using chicken breasts instead of thighs: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender after slow cooking, while breasts can dry out.
• Not sautéing the onions and garlic: While you can toss everything in raw, lightly sautéing them first boosts the flavor immensely.
• Skipping the garnish: Fresh cilantro adds freshness that cuts through the sweetness of the dish. Don’t skip it!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare and layer the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Bulk It Up: Feel free to add veggies like snap peas or snow peas for added texture and nutrition.

Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken legs for a different flavor and texture.
• Use a different variety of chili sauce for a unique twist, like a spicy chili garlic sauce.
• Add in additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more color and nutrition.
• Replace rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How to Serve

• Serve over fluffy cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added pop of flavor.
• Pair with a side salad to complement the richness of the dish.
• Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare and layer the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
• Storage: Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Cooking this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken taught me how to balance sweet and savory flavors perfectly. I’ve come to appreciate the way a few simple ingredients can create such depth and warmth—ideal for this festive season.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 30g protein · 20g carbs · 20g fat

Amberly Vahn

Delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful, set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings warmth and flavor to your holiday table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy recommended)
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. minced ginger
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnishing
• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Equipment

• Slow cooker

Method

 

1. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Drizzle the sweet chili sauce over the chicken, followed by soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir to coat the chicken.
3. Add sliced bell pepper and onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. When ready, shred the chicken with forks, garnish with cilantro, and serve over rice or quinoa.

Notes

A few tips: remember to use chicken thighs for moisture, and don’t skip the fresh cilantro!

FAQs