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Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy a tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken that blends sweet and spicy notes with juicy chicken thighs slow cooked to perfection. This easy, versatile, and kid-friendly recipe delivers a deliciously thickened natural sauce with fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 4 chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Thickening Agent

  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin or agar) dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Dice the red bell pepper and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for layering in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the Sweet Chili Sauce Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce (natural), brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
  3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the sweet chili sauce mixture over the chicken, then add the diced red bell peppers. Pour the remaining sauce on top, ensuring an even coating.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the natural gelling agent dissolved in water to the slow cooker. Continue cooking uncovered to achieve a glossy, thickened sauce consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken for a fresh herbaceous finish. Serve hot with your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Pat dry your chicken to help the sauce adhere better and improve browning.
  • Use chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness ideal for slow cooking.
  • Check seasoning halfway through cooking; adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  • Add the natural gelling agent towards the end to avoid an overly thick sauce early on.
  • Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, sweet chili chicken, easy dinner, tender chicken, sweet and spicy, gluten free, meal prep