Sticky Garlic Chili Chuck Roast Recipe for Your Crockpot

If you want a meal that feels like a treat but requires minimal effort, this sticky garlic chili chuck roast is exactly what you need. Imagine tender beef, slow-cooked until it falls apart, soaked in a sweet and spicy sauce that clings to every shred. This recipe turns a simple chuck roast into a flavor-packed dish perfect for tacos, bowls, sliders, or even lettuce wraps. Plus, the crispy lime-sesame slaw adds a fresh crunch that balances the heat and richness beautifully.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it in your crockpot and come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve.

Sticky garlic chili chuck roast taco with lime-sesame slaw

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3–4 lb chuck roast

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing)

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup beef broth

• ⅓ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos

• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  
  

For the Crispy Lime-Sesame Slaw:

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (or all green cabbage)

• 1 small carrot, shredded

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1½ tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

• Optional: sliced scallions or cilantro for garnish

  
  
  
  

How to Make Sticky Garlic Chili Chuck Roast in Your Crockpot

1. Start by seasoning the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. This step is key to building flavor right from the start.

2. If you have time, sear the roast in a hot pan with olive oil for 2–3 minutes on each side. This adds a rich, caramelized crust but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

3. Place the roast in your crockpot.

4. In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the roast.

5. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.

6. Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks and let it sit in the sauce for 20 minutes. This resting time allows the meat to soak up even more flavor.

   
   

How to Serve Your Sticky Garlic Chili Chuck Roast

This roast is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Over jasmine rice for a comforting bowl meal.

• In tacos topped with the crispy lime-sesame slaw for a fresh, crunchy bite.

• On slider buns for a fun handheld option.

• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

  
  

Each serving style brings out a different side of the sticky garlic chili chuck roast, making it easy to switch things up throughout the week.

Making the Crispy Lime-Sesame Slaw

The slaw is a bright, crunchy contrast to the rich beef. Here’s how to make it:

1. Whisk together lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, and salt until well combined.

2. Toss the shredded green and purple cabbage along with the carrot in the dressing.

3. Let the slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly and develop flavor.

4. Add sliced scallions or cilantro if you like a little extra freshness.

   
   

This slaw cuts through the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing zing that makes every bite exciting.

Tips for the Best Sticky Garlic Chili Chuck Roast

• Don’t skip the resting step after shredding. Letting the meat soak in the sauce for 20 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.

• Adjust the heat to your taste. Add more or less chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it.

• Use a good quality chuck roast. This cut has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Make extra sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or dipping your tacos.