Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Slow-Cooked Sweet Chili Chicken. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich blend of sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and orange juice create a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Paired with colorful bell peppers and served over basmati rice, this meal is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its ease of preparation and delightful taste.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1¾ lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
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¾ cup sweet chili sauce
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¼ cup hoisin sauce
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¼ cup orange juice
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2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
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1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 large orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 small onion, cut into 6 wedges
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
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3 cups hot cooked basmati rice
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions
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2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
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Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
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In a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
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Add sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, orange juice, garlic, bell peppers, and onion to the slow cooker; stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on Low for 3 hours.
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In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into the chicken mixture.
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Cover and cook for an additional hour on Low.
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Serve over basmati rice.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
An In-Depth Look at Slow-Cooked Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow-Cooked Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect marriage of bold flavor, comfort, and convenience. This dish offers everything a home cook dreams of—minimal prep, a hands-off cooking process, and a result that’s irresistibly flavorful. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week ahead, or even hosting guests with ease. What sets this dish apart is its masterful balance between sweet and savory, with a hint of tang that leaves a lasting impression on the palate. Let’s explore why this dish deserves a top spot in your weekly rotation and how you can make it uniquely yours.
Why Sweet Chili Chicken Works So Well in a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is the ideal environment for this kind of dish. Cooking chicken low and slow in a flavorful sauce allows the meat to become incredibly tender while soaking in every nuance of flavor. Sweet chili sauce, when simmered over hours, transforms into a velvety glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. The use of hoisin sauce adds an umami depth, while orange juice provides acidity and brightness to balance the sweetness. The bell peppers and onions not only add texture and color but infuse the dish with freshness, preventing the richness from becoming overwhelming.
The slow cooker simplifies everything—just toss in your browned chicken and sauces, cover, and let it do the work. You get maximum flavor with minimal effort, and the aromas that fill your kitchen are just an added bonus.
The Flavor Profile of Sweet Chili Chicken
Sweet Chili Chicken has a distinct flavor profile that resonates with fans of Asian-inspired cuisine. It’s sweet without being cloying, savory with a touch of spice, and has layers of flavor that make each bite satisfying. The hoisin sauce brings in a soy-based richness, while garlic offers pungency and depth. The citrus from the orange juice lifts the dish, keeping it bright and zesty. When paired with tender vegetables and fluffy rice, you get a complete and balanced meal.
Another great feature of this dish is its flexibility. You can amp up the heat with chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicier version, or tone it down for a more kid-friendly approach. Additions like pineapple chunks or snap peas can introduce new textures and tastes, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile and works well for a variety of settings. It’s great for:
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Weeknight dinners: Set it up in the morning and come home to a hot meal.
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Family gatherings: Scales easily for large groups and pairs well with simple sides.
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Meal prepping: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
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Casual entertaining: The flavors are universally appealing and the presentation over rice with garnishes looks polished without being complicated.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or flavor enthusiasts, Sweet Chili Chicken hits the sweet spot.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
This dish is traditionally served over a bed of basmati or jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. But you can also get creative:
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Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
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Brown rice or quinoa for added fiber
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Rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist
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Steamed buns for a fun, street-food feel
Pair it with a side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to add a crisp, fresh contrast. A quick cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also makes a refreshing accompaniment.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the biggest perks of this dish is how well it stores. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen over time, meaning leftovers can taste even better the next day. Store the chicken and rice separately to prevent the rice from getting too soggy.
For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning into airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Elevate the Dish Even Further
Want to take your Sweet Chili Chicken to the next level? Here are a few chef-approved tweaks:
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Sear the chicken first: Browning adds a depth of flavor that enhances the final dish.
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Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a cleaner, more vibrant citrus note.
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Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to dial up the umami.
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Finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added complexity.
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Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for a crunchy contrast.
These small changes can bring your dish closer to something you’d find in a high-end Asian bistro, all without much added effort.
Health Benefits and Dietary Adjustments
Sweet Chili Chicken is surprisingly balanced for a dish that tastes indulgent. Lean chicken thighs offer protein without excess fat, while the colorful bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C. If you’re looking to make it even lighter, you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken breast or use low-sugar versions of the sauces.
For gluten-free diets, make sure to use gluten-free hoisin and sweet chili sauces. Want it dairy-free? You’re in luck—this dish is naturally free of dairy. It’s also easy to adjust for paleo or Whole30 by replacing the sauces with compliant versions or homemade alternatives.
Why This Dish Is a Family Favorite
There’s something comforting about dishes that simmer all day and are ready just in time for dinner. Sweet Chili Chicken offers that “hug-in-a-bowl” experience with flavors that appeal across age groups. It’s sweet enough for kids to enjoy but complex enough for adults to appreciate. The bold colors and glossy sauce make it visually appealing, which is always a plus for picky eaters.
Another reason families love this dish? It’s easy. You don’t need culinary expertise or fancy equipment. Just a slow cooker and a few pantry staples.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a party pleaser, and a comfort food classic wrapped into one. Its beautiful balance of flavors, paired with the ease of preparation, makes it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a stress-free dish with serious flavor payoff, this recipe delivers every time.
By embracing the power of slow cooking and letting bold, complementary ingredients do the heavy lifting, you can create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—because technically, you did. But the slow cooker did all the work.
From its sweet-and-savory profile to its adaptability, Sweet Chili Chicken truly deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s one of those rare dishes that checks every box: easy, tasty, flexible, and guaranteed to impress.