Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken: The Ultimate Time-Saving Recipe

Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? Your trusty slow cooker does all the work while you take care of everything else on your to-do list.

I’m all about shortcuts in the kitchen, and this sticky chicken recipe is a total game-changer. Traditional sticky chicken recipes can involve a lot of stovetop monitoring and basting. But this version? Just 10 minutes of prep, toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re done. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and perfect for your busiest nights.

Why This Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Saves Time: Traditional stovetop sticky chicken recipes can take over an hour. This slow-cooked version requires just 10 minutes of prep time and lets you “set it and forget it.”
• No Babysitting: The slow cooker handles everything—no stirring, flipping, or watching required.
• Incredible Flavor: Slow cooking lets the ingredients meld together, resulting in rich, bold flavors you can’t achieve with quick cooking methods.
• Foolproof: Even if you’re new to cooking, the slow cooker guarantees perfectly tender and juicy chicken every time.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

To make the most out of this easy slow cooker chicken, all you really need is—you guessed it—a slow cooker! Here’s what I recommend:

• Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart model works perfectly for this recipe. Look for one with programmable settings if you like to customize cook times.
• Basic Kitchen Tools: A sharp knife for chopping chicken and veggies, a cutting board, and a small bowl for mixing up your cornflour slurry.
• Optional but Handy: A whisk to blend the cornflour slurry smoothly and a silicone spatula for stirring.

Pro Tip: To avoid sticking and make clean-up a breeze, use slow cooker liners—they’re a lifesaver!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

This sticky chicken recipe packs in so much flavor without a long list of complicated ingredients. Here’s what makes it shine:

• Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breast becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
• Soy Sauce: The salty, umami base for that signature Asian-style sticky sauce.
• Ginger Puree and Garlic Granules: These pantry staples pack a ton of flavor with zero extra prep time.
• Chinese Five Spice: The warm, aromatic spice blend adds depth to the sauce. You can find it in most grocery stores.

Shortcut Tip: Use pre-chopped veggies or frozen diced red peppers to save even more time during prep.

Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

• 800 g (28 oz) chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp ginger puree
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
• 2 red peppers, diced
• 6 spring onions, cut into long pieces
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• Sea salt, to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sliced red chilies, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

1. Place all the ingredients—except the red peppers, spring onions, and cornflour—into the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything well to combine, then cover with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with a couple tablespoons of the liquid from the slow cooker to make a smooth slurry.
4. Pour the slurry back into the slow cooker, stir gently, and add the diced red peppers and spring onions.
5. Season with sea salt to taste, then cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with sliced red chilies for a little heat.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

• Batch Prep: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal—it reheats beautifully.
• Sichuan Twist: Swap black peppercorns for Sichuan peppercorns if you love extra heat and depth.
• Crunchy Veggies: Add your bell peppers during the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp. Soften them earlier if you prefer a tender texture.
• Make It a Meal: Pair with egg fried rice or rice noodles for a full takeout-style feast at home.
• Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave or reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Easy Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Variations

• Extra Veggies: Toss in snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn for added nutrients.
• Make It Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness in the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great here and add a richer flavor. Just keep the cooking time the same.

What if my sauce isn’t thick enough?

If the sauce is too thin for your liking, add another slurry of cornflour and liquid, then cook for 10-15 more minutes until it thickens.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add extra chili flakes or use chopped fresh chilies in the sauce to kick up the heat.

Is this slow cooker chicken healthy?

Yes, it’s a low-fat, high-protein dish with just 295 calories per serving, making it a great option for healthy eating.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

This Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken is proof that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite kitchen shortcut in the comments below!