Sweet Chili Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Chili Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken with creamy cheese and a sweet, tangy chili sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz. packet ranch dressing mix
- 20.75 oz. sweet chili sauce (about 2.5 cups, Panda Express brand recommended)
- 8 oz. cream cheese (Philadelphia brand melts best)
- Sliced green onions for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour the sweet chili sauce over the chicken and ranch mix.
- Step 4: Place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Step 5: Cook on LOW for 4.5 hours or on HIGH for 3.5 hours.
- Step 6: Shred the chicken with two forks and stir the melted cream cheese into the sauce and chicken.
- Step 7: Serve over rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Add a green vegetable on the side if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or some fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Try substituting chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes to reduce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Sweet Chili Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Simmer the chicken, ranch mix, and sweet chili sauce in a covered pan over low heat for about 30 minutes, then add the cream cheese and stir until melted and combined.
PrintSweet Chili Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is an irresistible, easy-to-make recipe featuring tender, shredded chicken cooked in a tangy sweet chili sauce combined with ranch seasoning and creamy Philadelphia cream cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting meal served over rice with a sprinkle of green onions and a side of vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 hours (LOW) or 3.5 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: Approx. 4 hours 40 minutes (using LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz. packet ranch dressing mix
Sauce and Toppings
- 20.75 oz. sweet chili sauce (about 2.5 cups, Panda Express brand recommended)
- 8 oz. cream cheese (Philadelphia brand for best melting)
- Sliced green onions for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Add 2 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker base, spreading them evenly.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the entire 1 oz. packet of ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Pour Sauce: Pour approximately 2.5 cups (20.75 oz.) of sweet chili sauce over the chicken and ranch seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the 8 oz. block of Philadelphia cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce without stirring. This will melt as it cooks, thickening the sauce.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4.5 hours or on HIGH for about 3.5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing the melted cream cheese thoroughly into the sauce and chicken for creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions. Accompany with steamed green vegetables if desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to your preferred level of sweetness and spiciness.
- Cream cheese can be softened before adding for easier mixing, but adding as a block works well during slow cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lower sodium option, look for reduced sodium ranch mix and chili sauce alternatives.
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, slow cooker recipe, shredded chicken, creamy chicken, easy chicken dinner, ranch chicken
