Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken has become my go-to for busy weeknights, and I think it will be yours too! There’s something magical about the sweet and savory aroma that fills my kitchen as it cooks, promising a delicious meal without hours of fuss. I first tried making this easy slow cooker hoisin chicken one chaotic Tuesday, and the tender, flavorful chicken instantly won over my whole family. If you’ve ever wondered how to make hoisin chicken in slow cooker, you’re in for a treat – it’s incredibly simple! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
This recipe is a weeknight wonder for so many reasons:
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy hoisin sauce creates an incredibly addictive taste you’ll crave.
- Minimal Prep Time: You’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping before the slow cooker does all the work.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are an economical cut, making this a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters adore this tender, flavorful chicken, making it a reliable family-friendly meal.
- Healthy Option: With lean protein and the ability to add plenty of vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Following the hoisin chicken slow cooker instructions makes it perfect for preparing meals in advance.
- Easy to Follow: The straightforward hoisin chicken slow cooker instructions ensure success, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
Gathering your ingredients for this slow cooker Asian chicken hoisin is the first step to a fantastic meal. You’ll need a few pantry staples and some chicken thighs for a truly delicious crock pot experience.
- 80 ml low-sodium soy sauce – the salty base for our sauce
- 80 ml hoisin sauce – this gives our chicken that signature sweet and savory flavor
- 80 ml low-sodium chicken broth – adds liquid and depth to the sauce
- 30 ml honey or agave nectar – for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger – adds a wonderful zing and warmth
- ½ teaspoon chili-garlic sauce – for a hint of heat, adjust to your preference
- 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed – these stay incredibly moist and tender
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce at the end
- 2 tablespoons water – mixed with cornstarch for the slurry
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced – for a fresh, bright garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
This recipe takes the guesswork out of creating a flavorful crock pot hoisin chicken dinner. It’s a simple process that yields incredibly tender and delicious results. You’ll be amazed at how little effort is required for such a satisfying meal.
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 80 ml low-sodium soy sauce, 80 ml hoisin sauce, 80 ml low-sodium chicken broth, 30 ml honey or agave nectar, 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, and ½ teaspoon chili-garlic sauce until everything is well combined. The aroma of the ginger and hoisin sauce already hints at the deliciousness to come!
- Step 2: Arrange the trimmed 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Ensure every piece is coated for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours. The chicken will be incredibly tender and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds. This is the magic of a good crock pot hoisin chicken dinner – set it and forget it!
- Step 4: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks or even your clean hands. The chicken should pull apart effortlessly.
- Step 5: Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This creates a luscious, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving bowl. Pour about ¾ cup of the thickened sauce over the chicken and toss everything together to coat thoroughly. You can reserve any extra sauce for serving alongside rice or vegetables, making this a complete crock pot hoisin chicken dinner.
- Step 7: Garnish your finished dish generously with the thinly sliced 4 green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
I’ve learned a few tricks to make this slow cooker hoisin chicken absolutely perfect every time. These tips will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable!
- Use chicken thighs! They stay incredibly moist and tender, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out in the slow cooker.
- Don’t skip thickening the sauce at the end. This step transforms the thin cooking liquid into a rich, glossy glaze that coats the shredded chicken beautifully.
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs before cooking for a slightly lighter dish.
- If you have time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking can deepen the flavor even more.
What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker hoisin chicken?
The real secret to the best slow cooker hoisin chicken is using chicken thighs and a well-balanced sauce with ginger and a touch of heat. Don’t overcook it; watch for tenderness rather than just time. For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this guide to cooking chicken.
Can I make slow cooker hoisin chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For hoisin chicken slow cooker meal prep, prepare the sauce and chicken in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate, and then start it in the morning. It’s also great for prepping lunches for the week. You can find more meal prep ideas here.
How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker hoisin chicken?
A common pitfall is using chicken breasts, which become dry. Stick to thighs! Also, ensure your sauce is thickened properly at the end; a thin sauce can make the dish seem less appealing. Learn more about common cooking mistakes to avoid.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
This versatile slow cooker hoisin chicken is fantastic served in so many ways! My favorite is spooning the tender, shredded chicken over fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating a perfect bite every time. Another great option is to serve it alongside some steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. This adds a wonderful crunch and extra nutrients to your meal. For an even more complete experience, consider pairing it with some noodles. Using the reserved slow cooker chicken with hoisin sauce to toss with your rice or noodles really takes it to the next level! You can find great vegetable side dish ideas to complement this meal.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
When enjoying this delightful slow cooker hoisin chicken, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving. It’s a satisfying meal that balances flavor with good nutrition, making it a favorite for many.
- Calories: 176
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 25.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: 6.3 g
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, consult resources like the FDA’s guide to the Nutrition Facts label.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
Properly storing and reheating your delicious slow cooker hoisin chicken ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavor throughout the week. Once the chicken has cooled slightly after cooking, transfer it to airtight containers. For storing in the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it for longer storage, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple! For a quick hoisin chicken slow cooker meal, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place it in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
What is slow cooker hoisin chicken?
Slow cooker hoisin chicken is a delicious dish where tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made primarily from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. It’s an incredibly easy way to prepare a flavorful Asian-inspired meal with minimal effort.
Why use a slow cooker for hoisin chicken?
You should definitely why use slow cooker for hoisin chicken because it’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it method! The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken, making it exceptionally tender and moist. Plus, it allows the flavors of the hoisin sauce to meld beautifully without constant supervision, perfect for busy days.
Can I make slow cooker hoisin chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for hoisin chicken slow cooker meal prep. You can prep the sauce and chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. Then, just pop it in the slow cooker and turn it on in the morning. It’s also great for making lunches for the week ahead. Check out these tips for meal prepping.
What are some common pitfalls when making slow cooker hoisin chicken?
A common mistake is using chicken breasts, which can become dry and tough in the slow cooker. Always opt for chicken thighs for the best texture! Another pitfall is not thickening the sauce at the end; a thin sauce can make the dish less appealing. Ensure you follow the step to create a nice, glossy glaze.
Variations of Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic slow cooker hoisin chicken, you can have some fun with variations! For a healthy slow cooker hoisin chicken option, load up on extra vegetables like broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snow peas during the last hour of cooking. If you need a gluten-free slow cooker hoisin chicken version, simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for tamari. Craving a kick? Amp up the heat by adding more chili-garlic sauce for a spicy slow cooker hoisin chicken, or boost the garlic flavor with extra minced garlic for a delicious garlic hoisin chicken slow cooker. You can also create a wonderfully sweet and savory slow cooker chicken by adding a touch more honey. Remember, adding those hoisin chicken slow cooker with vegetables makes it a complete meal! Explore more healthy recipe variations.
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Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken: 15-Min Prep Meal
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
This slow cooker hoisin chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 80 ml low-sodium soy sauce
- 80 ml hoisin sauce
- 80 ml low-sodium chicken broth
- 30 ml honey or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili-garlic sauce
- 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, honey (or agave nectar), minced ginger and chili-garlic sauce until well combined.
- Arrange trimmed chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Allow to cool slightly, then shred using two forks or clean hands.
- Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently until sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker or transfer to a serving bowl. Pour ¾ cup of thickened sauce over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Pair with rice or stir-fried vegetables using reserved sauce if desired.
Notes
- Weight Watchers Points: 4
- Reserve extra sauce to serve with rice or vegetables.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili-garlic sauce.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Can be made gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW
- Category: Slow Cooker Meals
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the recipe
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 6.3 g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 25.4 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken, Hoisin Chicken Slow Cooker, Easy Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken, Crock Pot Hoisin Chicken
