That delightful balance of bold flavors and tender chicken is what makes this Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe such a winner. With minimal hands-on time, you get juicy, sticky chicken packed with that irresistible salty, peppery kick—perfect for busy days or cozy dinners.

A black slow cooker filled with a stew made of multiple chunks of light brown meat layered with red bell pepper pieces and green spring onion stalks, all in a light brown broth that fills the pot partially. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden pepper grinder and a round bowl of salt visible in the top part of the image, and a white plate of cooked rice partly visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this recipe has quickly become a staple for me. It’s simple, yet the flavors are so deeply satisfying that I keep coming back to it. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can just set it and forget it while your house fills with that amazing aroma.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss in the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest—no need for constant stirring or babysitting.
Perfect Flavor Blend: The salty soy and pepper combine beautifully, with just the right hint of sweetness and spice.
Versatile for Any Meal: Easy to pair with rice, noodles, or even wraps—this recipe adapts well for whatever you have on hand.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level with chili flakes and black pepper, so it’s beginner-friendly or fiery if you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a lovely mix of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work in harmony. The salty notes from soy sauce meet the zingy punch of fresh ginger and pepper, while brown sugar adds just a touch of sweetness. These choices create a sticky, well-balanced sauce that clings to juicy chicken pieces.

Flat lay of fresh chunks of raw chicken breast, a small white bowl of smooth pale ginger puree, a small white bowl of bright red tomato ketchup, a small white bowl filled with dark glossy soy sauce, a small white bowl containing light brown fine brown sugar, a small white bowl with coarse black peppercorns, crushed black peppercorns scattered nearby, a neat pile of glossy red diced bell peppers, six long vibrant green spring onions arranged in a fan shape, a small white bowl with fine white cornflour powder, a small white bowl holding deep red sliced fresh chillies, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully without falling apart.
Ginger puree: Adds subtle warmth and a fresh bite that brightens the dish.
Tomato ketchup: A hint of tanginess and sweetness to deepen the sauce flavor.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dish, bringing that umami depth.
Chinese five spice: Adds aromatic complexity with cinnamon, star anise, and more.
Chilli flakes: For that gentle kick without overpowering heat.
Garlic granules: Quick and easy way to infuse savory punch throughout.
Brown sugar: Helps balance the salty and spicy elements with sweetness.
Black peppercorns (crushed): The star 'pepper' component delivering bold, fresh heat.
Red peppers: Added late for crunch and color contrast.
Spring onions: Bring freshness and mild onion flavor at the end.
Cornflour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
Sea salt: Adjust to taste depending on soy sauce saltiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in the kitchen or my mood. Don’t hesitate to swap or add ingredients to make it truly yours—after all, cooking should be fun and flexible!

Variation: When I want a touch more heat, I toss in extra chilli flakes or some fresh sliced chillies at the end. It wakes up the dish wonderfully!
Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add mushrooms or snap peas instead of red peppers for a different texture.
Protein Alternatives: I’ve even used chicken thighs for richer flavor and they worked beautifully slow-cooked.
Less Salt Option: If you’re salt-conscious, reduce the soy sauce and add more fresh herbs like coriander for brightness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface with a textured beige cloth underneath. The plate is half filled with white rice, showing fluffy and separate grains. The other half has chunks of light brown cooked meat covered in a brown sauce. Mixed in with the meat are bright red pieces of bell pepper, green pieces of scallion, and thin slices of red chili pepper on top. The sauce has a smooth texture and pools slightly around the rice. Nearby, parts of a fork and small bowls with salt and crackers can be seen. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Flavors in Your Slow Cooker

Start by tossing all ingredients—except for the red peppers, spring onions, and cornflour—into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is coated nicely. I always make sure to scrape the sides to incorporate all those wonderful seasonings. Then cover and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. This slow cooking lets the chicken become tender and soak up all those salty, peppery flavors.

Step 2: Thicken with Cornflour for that Perfect Sticky Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cornflour with some of the cooking liquid in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour it back into the slow cooker and stir gently. This step is key to getting that irresistible sticky glaze, so don’t skip it! After pouring in the slurry, add in your diced red peppers and spring onions.

Step 3: Final Cook and Season to Taste

Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes. This short cook keeps the peppers slightly crunchy and the spring onions fresh, adding a lovely texture contrast to the tender chicken. Taste and season with sea salt gradually—remember, soy sauce adds saltiness, so adjust carefully until it’s just right for you.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things the hard way with this Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe that really help bring the dish to life. These tips can save you from common pitfalls and elevate your cooking game.

Don’t Skip the Cornflour Slurry: It transforms the sauce from thin to beautifully sticky, which is the hallmark of this dish.
Control the Salt Slowly: Because soy sauce saltiness varies, I always add sea salt little by little at the end to avoid over-salting.
Add Peppers Last: Adding the red peppers near the end keeps them crisp and bright instead of mushy.
Use Freshly Crushed Peppercorns: Crushing your peppercorns fresh gives a sharper, more vibrant pepper flavor than pre-ground powders.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

salt and pepper chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with thinly sliced fresh red chillies for a pop of color and gentle heat. A sprinkle of extra spring onions or a handful of chopped coriander also breathe fresh life into the dish just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or my favorite egg fried rice for a more indulgent meal. I also enjoy serving it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or kale to balance out the richness. Noodles—whether egg or rice noodles—work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this dish in lettuce cups, letting guests build their own bites. Another time, I spooned the chicken over crispy wonton crackers for a finger-food appetizer version that disappeared fast. It’s a versatile dish with plenty of creative potential!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy when slow cooked, making them an excellent alternative for this recipe.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the chilli flakes and black pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding less or more chilli flakes according to your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Then just heat it slowly in the slow cooker or on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this chicken if I don’t want rice?

If you prefer to skip rice, this chicken is delicious with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even in a wrap with fresh salad for a lighter meal. The sticky sauce makes it flexible for lots of pairings.

Final Thoughts

To me, this Slow Cooker Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe is a comforting, yet exciting dish that never fails to impress. It’s one of those recipes you can trust to bring flavor and ease together in one pot. I honestly recommend giving it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is and how rewarding the results are. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this chicken feels just right.