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Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe | Sweet & Savory Dinner Idea

I have to tell you, making this Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken recipe was an absolute game-changer for my weeknight dinners. I love how easy it is to toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while I get other things done. The aroma of hoisin and garlic filling my kitchen made me impatient to taste it!

By the time it was ready, the chicken was perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a family favorite just like it did for me. You can also enjoy similar comfort food ideas like Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for a hearty twist on slow cooker meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what I used to make this flavorful dish, along with some tips to get the best results:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – I prefer thighs over breasts because they stay juicy in the slow cooker.
1/3 cup hoisin sauce – opt for a high-quality hoisin sauce for the richest flavor.
1/4 cup soy sauce – low-sodium works best to balance the sweetness.
3 tablespoons of rice vinegar – adds a subtle tanginess that complements the hoisin.
3 tablespoons honey – I like honey for its natural sweetness; maple syrup works too.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – enhances the nutty depth in the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic packs a much stronger punch than pre-minced.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – adds warmth and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional, but I love a slight kick.
2 teaspoons cornstarch – for thickening the sauce at the end.
2 tablespoons water – to mix with cornstarch for a smooth slurry.
2 green onions, chopped – for garnish and freshness.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds – optional, for garnish and crunch.

Note: Several servings

Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Sugar-free: Swap honey for a sugar-free syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
Spicy: Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes for heat.
Extra tangy: Add a splash of lime juice before serving. You might also like the creamy warmth of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for a cozy meal idea.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

Slow Cooker – the star of this recipe, cooks chicken evenly and slowly.
Cutting Board – to prep garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Grater – for fresh ginger; I love the aroma it releases.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – ensures balanced flavors.
Small Bowl – to mix cornstarch slurry.
Tongs – for turning chicken and serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe

Prep the Ingredients

First, I gathered all my ingredients and minced the garlic, grated the ginger, and chopped the green onions. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Mix the Sauce

Next, I combined hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This step ensures every piece of chicken is evenly coated with flavor.

Add Chicken to Slow Cooker

I placed the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and poured the sauce over them, making sure each piece was covered. This step helps the chicken soak in all the flavors while cooking.

Cook Until Tender

Set the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. I found the chicken was perfectly tender and easy to shred with a fork after slow cooking.

Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken was cooked, I mixed cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stirred it into the slow cooker. I let it cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.

Garnish and Serve

Finally, I sprinkled chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. It not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on the plate!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks can take this dish to the next level:

I like to sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes to add extra depth of flavor.
I sometimes add a splash of orange juice for a hint of citrusy sweetness.
Don’t skip the fresh ginger; it really balances the sweet and salty flavors.
I always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken fully.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe

This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. I usually serve it over steamed jasmine rice and drizzle extra sauce on top. For added freshness, I like to garnish with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions makes it visually appealing too.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate per serving for this delicious dish:

Calories: 310 – moderately low for a hearty portion.
Protein: 28g – packed with lean protein from chicken thighs.
Carbohydrates: 18g – mainly from hoisin sauce and honey.
Fat: 14g – includes healthy fats from sesame oil and chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to intensify even more.
Freezing: The chicken freezes well. I portion it into freezer-safe bags and it lasts up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to prevent drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re wondering why this dish is worth making, here’s why I can’t get enough of it:

Simple Prep: I love that I can throw ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away.
Tender Chicken: The slow cooking makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth juicy.
Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors is irresistible.
Versatile: I can serve it with rice, noodles, or even in wraps for different meals.
Family Favorite: It’s easy to customize for heat or sweetness, making everyone happy at the table.

Ben Carraoli