Delicious Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken served with rice and veggies

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for an easy and flavorful meal. It's perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite delightful. This dish is also versatile; serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside vegetables. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

Making Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is straightforward and fun. With just a few steps, you can create a tasty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup hoisin sauce
⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
2 tablespoons minced ginger
½ teaspoon chili-garlic sauce (or to taste)
2 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of fat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, honey (or agave nectar), ginger, and chili-garlic sauce. Make sure everything is well mixed.
Place the trimmed chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. You want them to be in a single layer, if possible.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs so they are nicely coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on HIGH for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or on LOW for 4 hours. Check that the chicken is cooked through.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks or your hands.
Pour the sauce from the crockpot into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Then, add this mixture to the sauce in the saucepan.
Bring it to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, usually around 4 to 5 minutes.
Place the shredded chicken back into a bowl or return it to the slow cooker to keep warm. Pour about ¾ cup of the thickened sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
Serve your delicious hoisin chicken warm, garnished with sliced green onions. You can reserve the remaining sauce for serving over rice or stir-fried vegetables.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

You can serve Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken in many ways. A popular option is to serve it with steamed rice or fried rice. This pairing allows you to soak up all the flavorful sauce. You can also use the chicken in wraps or tacos, topped with fresh vegetables for an extra crunch. If you prefer, serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and colorful plate.

How to Store Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken will last for about 3 to 4 days this way. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if you can. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for about 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

Trim the Chicken: Make sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs for a leaner dish.
Adjust Seasonings: If you like a bit more heat, add extra chili-garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
Don't Skip the Sauce Thicking: Thickening the sauce at the end gives it a richer, more appealing texture.
Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger works best for flavor. If you don't have it, ground ginger can substitute but use it sparingly.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, consider adding vegetables directly to the slow cooker. You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking. This not only adds nutrition but also makes the dish even more colorful and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. They will cook through in the same amount of time but might be a bit drier.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can try using a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey as a substitute.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the sauce ingredients the day before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook the chicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish to prepare. Whether you're cooking for your family or just for yourself, this dish is sure to please. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a wonderful meal that's rich in flavor. Give it a try, and savor the delightful taste of hoisin chicken at home!