Description

This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful sweet chili sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, the chicken is moist and infused with delicious glaze, then optionally thickened for a rich sauce. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect served over rice or your favorite grain for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
¾ cup sweet chili sauce
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup chicken broth (for sauce thickening)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 handful fresh cilantro, snipped

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Instructions

Combine Glaze Ingredients: In the bottom of a large slow cooker, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce until well blended.
Add Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs into the slow cooker, spooning some glaze over the top to coat evenly.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the moisture sealed in and the chicken tender.
Thicken Sauce (Optional): Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and whisk into the glaze. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Serve: Garnish with freshly snipped cilantro and serve the sweet chili chicken over rice or your favorite grain to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less tender.
Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature and moisture.
The sauce thickening step is optional but recommended for a richer texture.
Fresh cilantro adds bright flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.