This Asian Sweet Chili Chicken features tender shredded chicken in a sticky, sweet, subtly-spicy Thai chili sauce with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs. Quick and easy to make thanks to the trusty slow cooker, this chili chicken crockpot recipe is tastier than takeout!
Optional for Garnish: Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds
Instructions
Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker insert.
Make chili sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce (sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic and ginger). Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is tender enough to shred.(Note: I recommend cooking the chicken on LOW for the best results.)
Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker to a clean work surface. Shred or slice the chicken and return it back to the slow cooker, along with any juices or sauce that has accumulated on the work surface.
Add vegetables: Add in the onion, bell pepper, pineapple and carrots. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
(OPTIONAL) Meanwhile, cook lo mein: Boil and drain lo mein noodles according to package directions. Either add the noodles to the slow cooker and stir well to coat, or transfer noodles to serving bowls and top with sweet chili chicken.
Serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
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!
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.
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.
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.
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.