Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken Delight

by
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon minced ginger - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Soft slider buns or steamed rice, for serving Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The chicken is the star, soaking up sweet chili sauce for great flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while rice vinegar balances the sweetness. Honey gives a nice touch, and garlic plus ginger bring zest. Seasonings like black pepper and salt enhance everything. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. For garnish, green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and color. You can serve the pulled chicken on slider buns or over rice. Each option is tasty and fun! In the slow cooker, lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Each piece will soak up the sauce and get tender. In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add black pepper and sea salt. If you like heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce blends well. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure each breast is coated. This step is key to getting great flavor in every bite. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork. After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Spoon the pulled chicken onto soft slider buns or serve it over fluffy steamed rice. It makes for a fun meal. Just before you serve, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a nice crunch. Enjoy your delicious creation! Different slow cooker models can change the cooking time. If you have a newer model, it may cook faster. Check your chicken after 5 hours on LOW or 2.5 hours on HIGH. If you use an older model, stick to the full cooking times. Always ensure the chicken shreds easily when done. You might need alternatives for some ingredients. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you want a milder sauce, skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. You can make this dish more personal by adding veggies or spices. Consider tossing in bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with these can create a unique flavor just for you. {{image_4}} Want to turn up the heat? Simply add more crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This small change can boost your dish’s spice. Make sure to mix it well with the other sauce ingredients. The heat balances perfectly with the sweetness of the chili sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for this fiery twist! Take your pulled chicken to the next level by making tacos. Grab some soft tortillas and fill each with the sweet chili pulled chicken. Add toppings like avocado, cilantro, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. You can even drizzle some extra sweet chili sauce on top. This dish becomes a fun, hands-on meal that everyone will enjoy. It's great for parties or taco nights! For a smoky twist, swap the sweet chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. This change gives the chicken a rich, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Just pour it over the chicken like you would with the chili sauce. The cooking time stays the same, but the end result? A delightful BBQ pulled chicken that pairs well with coleslaw or baked beans. Perfect for summer gatherings! Store your pulled chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It can last for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any odd smells before eating. You can freeze pulled chicken for longer storage. Divide it into small portions for easy use. Place the chicken in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. Use the frozen chicken within 3 months for the best taste. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat pulled chicken gently to keep it juicy. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, place the chicken in a safe dish and cover it. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. On the stovetop, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cover the chicken with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can keep the pulled chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before you freeze it. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just place the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. You may need to add an hour to the cooking time. Always check that the chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. This pulled chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some options: - Soft slider buns - Steamed rice - Coleslaw - Pickled veggies - Corn on the cob These sides add color and flavor to your meal. The recipe has a mild spice level. It includes crushed red pepper flakes, but these are optional. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can skip them altogether. Yes, you can easily make this in an Instant Pot! Here's how: 1. Place the chicken in the pot. 2. Mix the sauce in a bowl and pour it over the chicken. 3. Close the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. 4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. 5. Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving. This method saves time and still gives you tender, flavorful chicken. This blog post covered making sweet chili pulled chicken in a slow cooker. We went through the main ingredients, including chicken breasts and sweet chili sauce. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve the dish. I also shared tips on variations like tacos and BBQ styles. Remember, this recipe is flexible; feel free to adjust flavors. Whether you enjoy it in sliders or on rice, it’s a tasty choice. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal; you'll impress everyone at the table.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to make a dish that will impress your family and friends? In this blog post, I’ll share my recipe for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken. It’s a fun and tasty meal that combines chicken, sweet chili sauce, and simple seasonings. You’ll learn how easy it is to prepare this flavorful dish in your slow cooker. Let’s dive in and start cooking a delight!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup sweet chili sauce

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Additional Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon minced garlic

– 1 tablespoon minced ginger

Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

– Soft slider buns or steamed rice, for serving

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The chicken is the star, soaking up sweet chili sauce for great flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while rice vinegar balances the sweetness. Honey gives a nice touch, and garlic plus ginger bring zest. Seasonings like black pepper and salt enhance everything. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. For garnish, green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and color. You can serve the pulled chicken on slider buns or over rice. Each option is tasty and fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

In the slow cooker, lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Each piece will soak up the sauce and get tender.

Creating the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add black pepper and sea salt. If you like heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce blends well.

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure each breast is coated. This step is key to getting great flavor in every bite.

Cooking Process

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork.

Shredding the Chicken

After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the pulled chicken onto soft slider buns or serve it over fluffy steamed rice. It makes for a fun meal. Just before you serve, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a nice crunch. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Time Variations

Different slow cooker models can change the cooking time. If you have a newer model, it may cook faster. Check your chicken after 5 hours on LOW or 2.5 hours on HIGH. If you use an older model, stick to the full cooking times. Always ensure the chicken shreds easily when done.

Ingredient Substitutions

You might need alternatives for some ingredients. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you want a milder sauce, skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Flavor Enhancements

You can make this dish more personal by adding veggies or spices. Consider tossing in bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with these can create a unique flavor just for you.

Variations

Spicy Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken

Want to turn up the heat? Simply add more crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This small change can boost your dish’s spice. Make sure to mix it well with the other sauce ingredients. The heat balances perfectly with the sweetness of the chili sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for this fiery twist!

Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken Tacos

Take your pulled chicken to the next level by making tacos. Grab some soft tortillas and fill each with the sweet chili pulled chicken. Add toppings like avocado, cilantro, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. You can even drizzle some extra sweet chili sauce on top. This dish becomes a fun, hands-on meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s great for parties or taco nights!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

For a smoky twist, swap the sweet chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. This change gives the chicken a rich, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Just pour it over the chicken like you would with the chili sauce. The cooking time stays the same, but the end result? A delightful BBQ pulled chicken that pairs well with coleslaw or baked beans. Perfect for summer gatherings!

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store your pulled chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It can last for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any odd smells before eating.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze pulled chicken for longer storage. Divide it into small portions for easy use. Place the chicken in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. Use the frozen chicken within 3 months for the best taste. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Suggestions

Reheat pulled chicken gently to keep it juicy. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, place the chicken in a safe dish and cover it. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. On the stovetop, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cover the chicken with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

How long can I store leftovers?

You can keep the pulled chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before you freeze it. This way, it stays fresh and tasty.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just place the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. You may need to add an hour to the cooking time. Always check that the chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat.

What can I serve with sweet chili pulled chicken?

This pulled chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some options:

– Soft slider buns

– Steamed rice

– Coleslaw

– Pickled veggies

– Corn on the cob

These sides add color and flavor to your meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level. It includes crushed red pepper flakes, but these are optional. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can skip them altogether.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can easily make this in an Instant Pot! Here’s how:

1. Place the chicken in the pot.

2. Mix the sauce in a bowl and pour it over the chicken.

3. Close the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.

4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.

5. Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving.

This method saves time and still gives you tender, flavorful chicken.

This blog post covered making sweet chili pulled chicken in a slow cooker. We went through the main ingredients, including chicken breasts and sweet chili sauce. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve the dish. I also shared tips on variations like tacos and BBQ styles. Remember, this recipe is flexible; feel free to adjust flavors. Whether you enjoy it in sliders or on rice, it’s a tasty choice. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal; you’ll impress everyone at the table.

- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon minced ginger - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Soft slider buns or steamed rice, for serving Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The chicken is the star, soaking up sweet chili sauce for great flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while rice vinegar balances the sweetness. Honey gives a nice touch, and garlic plus ginger bring zest. Seasonings like black pepper and salt enhance everything. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. For garnish, green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and color. You can serve the pulled chicken on slider buns or over rice. Each option is tasty and fun! In the slow cooker, lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Each piece will soak up the sauce and get tender. In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add black pepper and sea salt. If you like heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce blends well. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure each breast is coated. This step is key to getting great flavor in every bite. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork. After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Spoon the pulled chicken onto soft slider buns or serve it over fluffy steamed rice. It makes for a fun meal. Just before you serve, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a nice crunch. Enjoy your delicious creation! Different slow cooker models can change the cooking time. If you have a newer model, it may cook faster. Check your chicken after 5 hours on LOW or 2.5 hours on HIGH. If you use an older model, stick to the full cooking times. Always ensure the chicken shreds easily when done. You might need alternatives for some ingredients. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you want a milder sauce, skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. You can make this dish more personal by adding veggies or spices. Consider tossing in bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with these can create a unique flavor just for you. {{image_4}} Want to turn up the heat? Simply add more crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This small change can boost your dish’s spice. Make sure to mix it well with the other sauce ingredients. The heat balances perfectly with the sweetness of the chili sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for this fiery twist! Take your pulled chicken to the next level by making tacos. Grab some soft tortillas and fill each with the sweet chili pulled chicken. Add toppings like avocado, cilantro, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. You can even drizzle some extra sweet chili sauce on top. This dish becomes a fun, hands-on meal that everyone will enjoy. It's great for parties or taco nights! For a smoky twist, swap the sweet chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. This change gives the chicken a rich, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Just pour it over the chicken like you would with the chili sauce. The cooking time stays the same, but the end result? A delightful BBQ pulled chicken that pairs well with coleslaw or baked beans. Perfect for summer gatherings! Store your pulled chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It can last for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any odd smells before eating. You can freeze pulled chicken for longer storage. Divide it into small portions for easy use. Place the chicken in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. Use the frozen chicken within 3 months for the best taste. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat pulled chicken gently to keep it juicy. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, place the chicken in a safe dish and cover it. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. On the stovetop, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cover the chicken with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can keep the pulled chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before you freeze it. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just place the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. You may need to add an hour to the cooking time. Always check that the chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. This pulled chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some options: - Soft slider buns - Steamed rice - Coleslaw - Pickled veggies - Corn on the cob These sides add color and flavor to your meal. The recipe has a mild spice level. It includes crushed red pepper flakes, but these are optional. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can skip them altogether. Yes, you can easily make this in an Instant Pot! Here's how: 1. Place the chicken in the pot. 2. Mix the sauce in a bowl and pour it over the chicken. 3. Close the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. 4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. 5. Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving. This method saves time and still gives you tender, flavorful chicken. This blog post covered making sweet chili pulled chicken in a slow cooker. We went through the main ingredients, including chicken breasts and sweet chili sauce. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve the dish. I also shared tips on variations like tacos and BBQ styles. Remember, this recipe is flexible; feel free to adjust flavors. Whether you enjoy it in sliders or on rice, it’s a tasty choice. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal; you'll impress everyone at the table.

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Savory Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pulled Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfect for busy days, this dish combines tender chicken simmered in a delicious sweet chili sauce that your whole family will love. Get ready to impress at your next meal by serving it on slider buns or fluffy rice. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup sweet chili sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for an extra kick)

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (for garnish)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Soft slider buns or steamed rice, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In your slow cooker, lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce effectively.

    Create the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Whisk until the ingredients are well blended.

      Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each breast is coated with the flavorful mixture.

        Cook Slowly: Cover with the slow cooker lid and set to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.

          Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Gently mix it with the sauce, allowing the chicken to soak up all the delightful flavors.

            Serving Time: Spoon generous portions of the pulled chicken onto soft slider buns or serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a deliciously satisfying meal.

              Add the Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor and a delightful crunch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the sliders with a side of pickled veggies for color and tang, or serve the rice on a large platter topped with the pulled chicken, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful family-style meal.

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?