Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken with Sesame Sauce Recipe

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being enveloped by the amazing aromas of savory chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The perfect balance of flavors fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. This is the magic of Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken, a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a culinary delight. Whether it’s family dinner night or casual gatherings with friends, this recipe will surely steal the show, turning any meal into a festive occasion.

Picture yourself unwinding after a long day, knowing that dinner is almost ready thanks to this simple yet impressive dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll create tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sticky sweet chili sauce that has just the right kick. The excitement builds as you savor every bite of this satisfying and delicious creation.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts – Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and tender results.

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch – This thickening agent will help give your sauce a perfect consistency.

1/4 cup water – Used for mixing with cornstarch and ensuring your chicken remains moist.

sriracha to taste (optional) – Add a hint of heat if you enjoy a spicier kick!

2-4 tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce – This key ingredient adds sweetness and a delightful flavor profile.

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce – Great for seasoning without over-salting the dish.

1/3 cup ketchup – Offers sweetness and balances the flavors in the sauce.

1/3 cup packed brown sugar – Gives the dish a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor.

2 tablespoons rice wine – Brings a hint of acidity that balances the sweetness nicely.

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil – Enhances the aromatic profile of the dish.

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder or 3-4 garlic cloves minced – Essential for the aromatic and savory quality.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a rounded, savory note to the sauce.

1/2 teaspoon ginger powder or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger – A touch of ginger adds a warm spiciness.

1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.

1/4 teaspoon pepper – Just the right amount for added warmth.

toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) – A nice sprinkle makes for a pretty and flavorful topping.

chopped green onions (for garnish) – Freshness and color to brighten the dish.

sriracha or Asian chili sauce to taste (for garnish) – For those who can’t get enough heat!

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker. Make sure they’re nicely spaced out to ensure even cooking. There’s something so satisfying about watching those chicken breasts transform into tender goodness.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Sweet Chili Sesame Sauce. Combine the Asian sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, rice wine, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Once everything is mixed, pour this savory layer of flavor over your chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Your house will smell heavenly, making it hard not to drool in anticipation. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is so tender that it practically falls apart when touched.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This creates that delightful “pulled” texture that works so well with the sauce. Give it a little stir to combine.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
To enhance the texture, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the shredded chicken and let it cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce beautifully. Taste and adjust the flavors, adding more sriracha if you want it spicier or a bit more brown sugar for sweetness.

Step 6: Serve It Up
Spoon this luscious Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that beautiful touch. Voilà, dinner is served, and your loved ones are in for a delicious treat.

In every bite of this Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken, you’ll find a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and just a hint of heat, making it not just a meal but a delightful experience that lingers long after the last bite.

This showstopping Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken for a few minutes to lock in moisture. While the chicken is browning, whisk together the sweet chili sauce ingredients. This way, you’ll be ahead of the game when it’s time to add everything to the slow cooker.

Add Your Touch to Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Feel free to customize your Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken by swapping chicken breasts for thighs or adding veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also experiment with chili sauces or fresh herbs for a different flavor profile!

Storing & Reheating Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

To store, place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. For reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water for moisture.

Nothing warms my heart quite like the feedback I received when I first made this dish for friends. They raved about it, and one even asked if I could cater their next dinner party. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

What is Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken?

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful dish made with tender chicken slowly cooked in a flavorful sweet chili sauce. This recipe combines various sauces, including soy sauce, hoisin, and sweet chili, delivering a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. It’s not just easy to prepare; it also results in a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken?

The total time for making Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken varies based on your cooking method. If you choose to cook on low, it typically takes about 5-7 hours to ensure the chicken is tender and full of flavor. For a quicker option, cooking on high takes around 3-4 hours. While the preparation time is a mere 5 minutes, the love and patience in those slow-cooking hours result in a scrumptious dish that your family will crave again and again.

Can I customize Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken?

Absolutely! One of the delightful aspects of Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is its versatility. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier alternative or even add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the slow cooker for added nutrition. Additionally, feel free to play around with different spices and sauces to create a unique flavor profile that suits your palate. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken?

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options include steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soak up the sweet and savory sauce perfectly. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad, sesame noodles, or even within lettuce wraps for a fun and engaging meal. Feel free to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is an incredibly satisfying dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors worthy of any occasion. With easy preparation and a slow cooking method that maximizes flavor, it’s an ideal choice for busy families or dinner parties. Remember, you can customize this dish to suit your taste, making it a favorite among your loved ones. Easy, versatile, and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken with Sesame Sauce Recipe

Delightful Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken combines tender chicken in a sweet chili sauce for an easy, flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
• 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.25 cup water
• sriracha to taste optional
• 2-4 tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce
• 0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 0.33 cup ketchup
• 0.33 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder or 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• chopped green onions for garnish
• sriracha or Asian chili sauce to taste for garnish

Equipment

• slow cooker

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken to the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker.
2. Whisk the Sweet Chili Sesame Sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
4. Shred chicken in the crockpot and add 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water to the crockpot. Stir contents around.
5. Cook on high for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste and add sriracha for spicier, brown sugar for sweeter if desired.
6. Serve with rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving

Notes

Feel free to customize with different proteins or add vegetables. Rest the dish before serving for optimal flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!