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Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this Sweet Chili Chicken. Juicy chicken slow cooked to tender perfection in a tantalizing sweet Thai chili sauce with sweet bell peppers and crisp carrots. Perfectly simply, yet undeniably delicious, this easy-to-follow recipe transforms your crockpot into a flavor-packed paradise.

“I made this recipe for the first time today. It is fantastic! Spicy, sweet, crunchy vegetables. I added Lo Mein noodles at the time of serving. Directions are easy and straightforward. No hard to find ingredients. Will be making this on a regular basis. Thank you for the delicious meal.”

– CONNIE

Update: This recipe was originally published in April 2019. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making Thai chili chicken at home.

Hey there, friends! Today we are cooking with one of my absolute favorite sauces – sweet chili sauce. Sticky, sweet, subtly spicy and loaded with flavor, it pairs fabulously with everything from chicken and shrimp to spring rolls and dumplings.

If you aren’t familiar with this Thai condiment, you are in for a delicious treat! I always have a jar of this sauce on hand in my pantry or refrigerator, and after trying todays easy dish, you will too.

About this sweet chili chicken recipe

Tender, juicy shredded chicken, sweet red bell peppers, fragrant onions, tropical pineapple and crisp carrots tossed in a sticky, barely spicy, umami packed sweet chili sauce. Served over soft lo mein noodles or fluffy rice, this Asian chicken is saucy, flavorful and totally addicting! I kid you not, the Asian chili sauce is so good I could drink it from a glass!

But, the best part of all? This flavor-packed chicken is ridiculously easy to make and basically fail safe! You just throw the chicken and sauce ingredients into the slow cooker, cover it, then set it and forget it! When you are ready to eat, toss in the vegetables and dinner is served! Mouth-watering, sweet and sticky chicken that tastes out of this world is yours for the devouring!

If you love Thai food, be sure to try these fan-favorites dinner recipes next: Thai Chicken Noodle Soup, Thai Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk, Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce, and Thai Chicken Meatballs.

Close-up photo of Thai chili sauce chicken made in the slow cooker.

What is sweet chili chicken?

Thai sweet chili chicken is a popular American-Asian dish featuring tender pieces of chicken in a sticky, tangy, sweet and spicy sauce. You can serve sweet chili chicken as an appetizer or main dish.

Chili chicken can be fried, baked, stir-fried or slow cooked and made with or without vegetables, depending on the recipe. This sweet chili chicken recipe utilizes the slow cooker to create an easy, hands-off dish the entire family will love!

Ingredients for chicken with sweet chili sauce

Simple ingredients combine to create a chicken dinner that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with beautiful crunch from the veggies and tenderness from the chicken. Here’s what to grab:

  • Chicken: I recommend using skinless, boneless chicken for the most tender, flavorsome results. However, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just note you may need to reduce the cook time in the recipe card.
  • Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and spicy sauce is made with ingredients like sugar, garlic, chili peppers, vinegar, and sometimes fish sauce or soy sauce for complexity. You can find sweet chili sauce in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Soy Sauce: Be sure to use reduced-sodium soy sauce so you can control the salt content.
  • Garlic: Be sure to use fresh garlic cloves and mince them yourself for the best flavor. That pre-minced stuff in a jar is very lackluster in flavor.
  • Ginger: Again, fresh is definitely best. Be sure to choose ginger root that’s firm to the touch with smooth skin.
  • Scallions: Green onions lend a mild onion flavor to this chili chicken dish.
  • Onions: Sweet white onions, such as vidalia or maui, lend a mild, sweet flavor. Look for onions that feel heavy for their size.
  • Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers lend a beautiful natural sweetness and crisp texture. However, you can swap in orange or yellow bell peppers if you prefer.
  • Carrots: Fresh, crisp carrots lend a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly here.

Recipe variations

  • Sensational Sesame: For a nutty aroma and flavor, add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the chili sauce in the slow cooker. And be sure to garnish the dish with plenty of sesame seeds.
  • Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken: Add one teaspoon to two tablespoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the crockpot along with the sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Mango Chili Chicken: Swap out the pineapple chunks for diced mango instead. Or simply garnish the dish with jalapeno mango salsa.
  • Veggie Forward: You can easily bulk up this chicken dinner by adding more veggies right to the slow cooker. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, and zucchini all make great additions.
  • Slurp-Tastic: Serve the Thai chili chicken over soft, chewy lo mein noodles for a simply satisfying dinner.
  • Rice Magic: If you prefer grains to noodles, serve your sweet chili chicken over your favorite rice recipe, like coconut rice for a tropical vibe or broccoli rice if you prefer a healthier meal.
Overhead photo of sweet chili sauce with chicken, bell peppers, carrots, pineapple chunks, and onions in a slow cooker.

how to make sweet and chili chicken

Thanks to the trusty crock pot or slow cooker, this Asian chicken recipe couldn’t be any easier to whip together. Here’s how:

  1. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before arranging them in the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker in a single layer. 
  2. Make the sweet thai chili sauce for the chicken by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Cover and cook the chicken on low for six to eight hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred apart with two forks. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the crock pot and place them onto a clean work surface until cool enough to handle
  4. Shred chicken using two fork. Alternatively, slice or dice the chicken using a sharp Chef’s knife. Then return the cooked chicken back to the slow cooker, along with any juices that have accumulated on the work surface.
  5. Add the onions, bell peppers, pineapples, and carrots to the slow cooker and then stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Taste the chicken with sweet chili sauce and adjust the dish to suit your specific tastebuds.
  8. Garnish the thai chili sauce chicken with sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro then serve immediately over lo mein noodles or rice. Enjoy. 

Expert tips for the best success!

  1. Choose the Right Chicken for You. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you are looking for the most juicy, tender results. However, opt for chicken breasts if you’re looking for a leaner dinner option. Or, use a combination of the two if you can’t make up your mind.
  2. Know Your Slow Cooker. The cooking time in the recipe below is approximate. Make sure you know your slow cooker and don’t overcook the chicken. If you are using a small slow cooker or crockpot and you packed it full, the element will take longer to heat up and cook the chicken through.
  3. Adjust to Suit YOUR Taste. Always, always, always taste the dish and adjust it to suit your specific tastebuds before serving. If you prefer things fiery-hot, consider adding sriracha. If you love a nutty undertone, garnish with sesame seeds or add a splash of toasted sesame oil. Does the chicken just taste like it’s missing something? Add kosher salt.
  4. Garnish Thoughtfully. I’ll always advocate for garnishing a dish before serving. Garnishes are the ideal way to really customize a dish and make it your own. Plus, you do eat with your eyes first, so there’s that detail too. Consider garnishing the thai sauce chicken with fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for freshness and brightness. And add toasted sesame seeds for hint of nutty flavor, and/or crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  5. Complementary Sides: This saucy chicken tastes best when it is served with something for sopping up the thai chili sauce. I recommend either noodles or rice, but by all means, please use what you love.
Angled photo of cooked chicken with sweet chili sauce and veggies in a crock pot.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What is sweet chili sauce for chicken? 

Sweet chili sauce, also known as nam chim kai, is a Thai sauce condiment that can be used as a dip for appetizers and pairs deliciously with chicken, shrimp and tofu. Made with chile peppers, rice wine vinegar and varying sweeteners (honey, fruit or sugar), chili sauce is sweet and sour in taste and very mildly spicy.

Thai sweet chili sauce can be found in the ethnic food aisle of most grocery stores.

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

Honestly, the answer would be it depends. However, if you’re looking for the most juicy, tender chicken, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this Thai chili chicken recipe. However, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer lean, white meat. Just note, you will need to reduce the cook time in the recipe.

How do I cook Thai chili sauce chicken?

Recipes for Thai sweet chili chicken can utilize various cooking methods, such as baking, grilling, and stir-frying. However, this recipe keeps things fuss-free and hands-free by using the slow cooker or crock pot.

Can I adjust the spiciness of Thai chili chicken?

Absolutely. However, it is important to note that while sweet chili sauce is made with pepper, it is not spicy in flavor. This thick, pour-able sauce is sweet and mildly tangy in flavor.

If you are looking for a fiery-hot chili chicken, I recommend adding spicy ingredients, such as red pepper flakes or minced fresh chile peppers to this recipe. Conversely, if you’re looking for a sweet dish, consider adding more naturally sweet ingredients, such as bell peppers and carrots.

Angled photo of sweet and chili chicken served over noodles in a white bowl.

Serving sweet thai chili chicken

If you’re looking for satisfying and/or creative ways to enjoy the flavors of this slow cooker Thai chicken with sticky, sweet chili sauce, I’ve got you covered:

Traditional serving suggestions

  • With Asian Noodles: This recipe includes instructions for serving sweet chili chicken alongside noodles for a complete dinner. You can add the noodles right to the slow cooker, or stir-fry them on the stove if you prefer.
  • Over Rice: If you prefer grains, serve the slow cooker thai chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, healthier quinoa, or coconut curry rice if you’re looking for a lot of flavor.
  • With Veggies: Steam or roast up your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, for added freshness and texture. Or try making my favorite stir fried cabbage recipe for dose of yum.

Fun serving ideas

  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the cooked chicken and sweet thai chili sauce into large Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves. Garnish with crushed salted peanuts, pickled jalapenos, and fresh cilantro for a hand-held dinner idea.
  • Tasty Tacos: Swap out the lettuce leaves for soft flour tortillas or hard taco shells and top the chicken with jalapeno coleslaw, sliced avocados, and plenty of chili sauce.
  • Pizza Pizza: Give Italian pizza night a Thai twist by spreading a thin layer of sweet chili sauce over pizza dough. Top with the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, onions, and pineapple chunks. Then bake until bubbly and delicious.
  • Sensational Salad: Grab your favorite leafy greens, toss with the shredded sweet chili chicken, slices of cucumber, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, and edamame beans. Dress the whole thing with your favorite Asian sesame salad dressing and chow down. Or simply make this thai mango salad recipe or Japanese marinated cucumbers and serve the sweet chicken over that instead.

storing leftovers

Allow leftover Thai sweet chili sauce chicken to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and chili sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm throughout. If the sauce has thickened up too much during storage, simply loosen it by adding a splash or two of chicken broth, soy sauce, or water.

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken will instantly become a family favorite! With fall apart tender chicken and crisp vegetables coated in a sticky, sweet sauce so good you will want to lick your fingers clean!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to making your own take out!

Cheyanne

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More slow cooker chicken recipes

Overhead photo of sweet chili chicken with bell peppers and diced pineapple over a bed of noodles in a large bowl.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

5 from 9 votes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this Sweet Chili Chicken. Juicy chicken slow cooked to tender perfection in a tantalizing sweet Thai chili sauce with sweet bell peppers and crisp carrots. Perfectly simply, yet undeniably delicious, this easy-to-follow recipe transforms your crockpot into a flavor-packed paradise.

Equipment

  • 1 Crock Pot or Slow Cooker

Ingredients 

  • 2 Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – trimmed of excess fat
  • To Taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Cup Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 3 TBS Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 3 cloves Garlic – minced
  • 2 tsp Fresh Ginger – grated
  • 1 small Sweet Onion – thinly sliced
  • 1 large Red Bell Peppers – thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ Cups Diced Pineapple
  • 1 Cup Shredded Carrots
  • 1 Pound Dried Lo Mein Noodles

Optional for Garnish: Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds

Instructions

  • Season The Chicken: Lay the chicken thighs on a clean work surface and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then transfer chicken to the crockpot or slow cooker insert, arranging the chicken in an even single layer.
  • Make the Sweet Chili Sauce: To a 2-cup glass measure or medium bowl, add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Use a whisk and stir the ingredients together until fully combined. Then, pour the Thai chili sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred apart using two forks.
    (Note: While you can cook the chicken thighs on high for 3-4 hours in a pinch, you'll want to use the low heat setting for the best results.)
  • Shred The Chicken: Use a pair of tongs to remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a clean work surface. Use to forks to pull apart the chicken into long shreds. Once all the chicken is "pulled", add it back to the slow cooker – along with any juices that have accumulated on the work surface.
  • Add Onion, Pepper, Pineapple, Carrots: To the slow cooker, add the diced onion, bell peppers, pineapple, and carrots. Then use a kitchen spoon and give everything a good stir to combine.
  • Cover and Cook Again: Re-cover the crockpot and cook the contents on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Once the chicken and veggies are done, taste the dish and adjust the flavors to suit your tastebuds.
    OPTIONAL. Meanwhile, Cook Lo Mein: If you're serving the sweet chili chicken over noodles, go ahead and boil and drain lo mein noodles according to package directions.
  • Serve Thai Chili Chicken: Serve the sweet chili chicken over asian noodles or rice. Garnish the top with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Chicken: While the recipe below calls for chicken thighs, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if desired.  Chicken thighs have more flavor and moisture, however chicken breasts are leaner.  You can use either all chicken thighs, chicken breasts or a combination of both! If using chicken breasts, please note you may need to reduce the cook time.
  2. The cooking time in the recipe is approximate. Make sure you know your slow cooker and don’t overcook the chicken.  If you are using a small slow cooker or crockpot and it’s packed full, it will take longer to heat up and cook through.  
  3. Serving Options: While I served my slow cooker chicken with lo mein noodles, you can serve this Asian chicken over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or any Asian noodles you love.
  4. Leftovers: Slow Cooked Sweet Chili Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or it can be frozen in a freezer-safe, zip-closure bag for up to 3 months.
  5. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
     
  6. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
     
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal    Carbohydrates: 33g    Protein: 30g    Fat: 6g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 143mg    Sodium: 832mg    Potassium: 559mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 28g    Vitamin A: 915IU    Vitamin C: 57.8mg    Calcium: 35mg    Iron: 1.7mg

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