Description

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked in a tangy and mildly spicy sweet chili sauce with fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously saucy meal served over rice. Garnished with green onions and optional sesame seeds, this recipe combines sweetness, heat, and savory umami for a comforting, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

1 cup sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 onion, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

To Serve

Cooked rice
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are in an even layer for uniform cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated or minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Vegetables and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then add the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and broccoli florets (if using) on top to layer the flavors.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred easily.
Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables fully. Serve the sweet chili chicken hot over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish, or breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
Broccoli is optional but adds a nice crunch and nutrients.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and also freeze nicely.
Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for the best pairing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, sweet chili chicken, easy chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, Asian chicken recipe, chicken with vegetables, weeknight dinner