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Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken brings together the bold heat of sriracha and the sweetness of honey for a weeknight meal that keeps everyone hovering near the kitchen. The slow cooker does almost all the work for you, letting the chicken soak up all those flavorful juices while you can focus on the creamy drizzle that cools things off just right.
What Makes It Special
- Ready for the table in one pot with barely any clean up
- Complex flavor using just a handful of simple pantry items
- Spicy sweet and creamy all in one dish
- Great for meal prepping and freezes beautifully
The first time I made this chicken, the spicy aroma filled the house hours before dinner. Now it has become my go-to when I want a comforting meal that feels special with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose ones that are plump and pink for juicy tender bites
- Sriracha sauce: Offers a bold tangy heat that is essential for this recipe Look for a freshly opened bottle for best punch
- Honey: Brings the sweetness that mellows out the heat Try to use pure honey for a clean flavor
- Soy sauce: Gives depth and an extra savory layer Opt for low sodium to keep things balanced
- Lime juice: Adds a fresh zing Use freshly squeezed for a bright finish
- Mayonnaise: Creaminess to mellow and bind the drizzle sauce
- Greek yogurt: Tanginess that makes the topping lift the whole dish Go for full fat for a richer sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: Sweet fruity and just a bit spicy in the creamy drizzle
- Hot sauce: Use your favorite for a little extra kick in the drizzle
Let’s Cook This Together
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut your chicken breasts into large bite sized chunks Try to make them evenly sized for even cooking and pop them into your slow cooker
- Mix the Main Sauce:
- Combine the sriracha honey soy sauce and lime juice in a bowl Blend until smooth so every piece of chicken gets coated evenly
- Add and Cook:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken making sure all pieces are well covered Put the lid on and cook on high for four hours or on low for five to seven hours The chicken should be just cooked through and easy to shred or leave in big pieces
- Make the Drizzle:
- In a small bowl thoroughly whisk together mayonnaise Greek yogurt sweet chili sauce honey and your chosen hot sauce Keep whisking until it is very smooth and all the honey is fully blended
- Finish and Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to your plates and give each portion a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce This is delicious served over rice noodles or a combination of both
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Good to Know
- Packed with lean protein
- Works for meal prep and freezer meals
- Sauce can be customized for spice level
My favorite part of this dish is the creamy drizzle which balances every bite and feels like the secret weapon on the plate The first time my son tried it he gave me the biggest grin and reached for seconds before his plate was empty
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftover chicken in a well sealed container in the fridge and keep the drizzle sauce separate This keeps both at their best quality and the drizzle keeps its fresh flavor You can freeze cooked chicken for up to three months so make a double batch if you want to plan ahead
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you like darker meat or want even more juiciness You can also use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt for the drizzle sauce if you run out of one Sweet chili sauce can be swapped for a dash of extra honey mixed with a bit more sriracha for a quicker fix
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How to Serve It Right
This honey sriracha chicken begs to be served over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or tossed with slippery noodles For a lighter meal I love serving it with crisp lettuce wraps and a pile of quick pickled veggies on the side
Behind the Dish
Honey sriracha chicken started as my answer to those takeout cravings that hit on busy days Over time it has become a family favorite and I keep a squeeze bottle of sriracha in the door of my fridge just for this recipe The contrast between spicy sweet and creamy is what makes it feel so special at home
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, both boneless skinless thighs and breasts work well. Thighs may add extra juiciness and flavor.
- → Is the dish very spicy?
The honey balances the heat, but you can adjust the amount of sriracha or hot sauce to your taste preference.
- → How can I make this meal ahead of time?
Add the chicken and sauce ingredients to a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw before cooking for a convenient, ready-to-cook meal.
- → What sides pair well with this meal?
It's perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or served with a light salad or steamed vegetables.
- → Can I store the drizzle sauce separately?
Yes, store the creamy drizzle sauce in the fridge apart from the chicken to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the drizzle sauce?
You can use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt depending on your preference for a creamier or tangier finish.