Slow Cooker Sprite Sweet Chili Chicken

Sticky, glossy and perfectly sweet with a hint of citrus; these slow cooker chicken thighs deliver bold flavor with an irresistible glaze.

This recipe leans into that perfect balance of sweet, savory and lightly tangy, with the Sprite adding a subtle citrus lift while helping create a rich, sticky sauce. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels a little different but requires very little effort.

For more slow cooker recipes, check out this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, my Slow Cooker Beef and this Slow Cooker Rump Roast.

Ingredients

Bone-in chicken thighs: Rich, flavorful cut that stays juicy during slow cooking. I always prefer cooking with chicken thighs!
Garlic powder: Deep, savory base note
Olive oil: Used for searing and building flavor
Sprite: Adds sweetness and a light citrus finish
Sweet chili sauce: Sticky, sweet-spicy backbone of the dish
Soy sauce: Brings umami and salt balance
Brown sugar: Deepens sweetness and helps create a glaze
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

chicken thighs in slow cooker with broth

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker in an even layer.

cooked chicken thighs with sauce in a crockpot

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the Sprite, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch until smooth, then pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the lid for the final 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze, then spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Substitutions

Chicken thighs: Boneless thighs or chicken drumsticks
Sprite: Any lemon-lime soda
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten free)

Variations

Spicy: add red pepper flakes or chili paste
Caramelized: finish under the broiler for crispy edges
Extra sauce: double the sauce ingredients for serving over rice

Equipment

I used my slow cooker for low, even cooking and a skillet for searing and building flavor.

slow cooker chicken thighs on a plate with mashed potatoes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with extra sauce if needed. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

Top tip

Spoon the sauce over the chicken just before serving to fully coat each piece in that glossy glaze.

FAQ

Can I skip searing the chicken?

Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and helps develop a richer final sauce.

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