Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe

Slow-cooked meals are perfect for those who crave rich, complex flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe is a delicious combination of tender, succulent chicken simmered in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce, complemented by the umami of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whether served over steamed rice, with noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish is a flavorful favorite that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this slow-cooked hoisin chicken will quickly become a household staple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hoisin Sauce Marinade

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.
2. Adjust for Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add in the red pepper flakes. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
3. Optional Add-ins: If you want to add a bit more liquid for a saucier chicken, stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth. This is also a good time to toss in any extra vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, or onions, to create a more well-rounded dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and ensures it holds up well in the slow cooker.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. While this step is optional, it creates a deeper flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture.
3. Place Chicken in the Slow Cooker: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can layer the chicken, but try to keep it as flat as possible for even cooking.

Step 3: Add the Hoisin Sauce

1. Pour the Marinade Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared hoisin sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly if necessary.
2. Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots, layer them on top of the chicken and pour any remaining marinade over the top. These vegetables will cook down and soak up the flavors from the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 5-6 hours. Cooking on low will allow the chicken to become tender and juicy without drying out.
2. Cook on High: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours. Keep in mind that cooking on high may not make the chicken as tender as the low setting, but it will still be flavorful and delicious.
3. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shred with a fork.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
2. Shred or Slice the Chicken: Once the sauce is to your desired consistency, return the chicken to the slow cooker. You can either shred the chicken with two forks for a pulled chicken texture or slice it into thick pieces if you prefer.

Step 6: Serve the Hoisin Chicken

1. Serve Over Rice: Spoon the tender hoisin chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and texture.
2. Serve in Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the hoisin chicken in crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine. Add crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber, or radish for a refreshing contrast.
3. Pair with Steamed Buns: For a more authentic Asian-inspired experience, serve the chicken in steamed bao buns. These soft, fluffy buns are perfect for soaking up the flavorful hoisin sauce.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Results: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when slow-cooked for long periods. If you prefer a richer texture, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing (If You Have Time): Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth to the flavor and creates a slightly caramelized crust. This step takes only a few extra minutes but can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
3. Adjust the Sweetness and Saltiness: Hoisin sauce is naturally sweet and salty, so taste your sauce before pouring it over the chicken. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or reduce the saltiness with low-sodium soy sauce.
4. Cook on Low for Best Results: Slow cooking the chicken on low ensures the meat stays tender and moist. While cooking on high is faster, the low setting allows the chicken to absorb more of the hoisin sauce’s flavors, creating a richer dish.
5. Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have leftovers, they can be used in various ways. Add the hoisin chicken to salads, stuff it into sandwiches, or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Variations of Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

1. Hoisin Chicken with Vegetables:

For a more complete meal, add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. This will give you tender, flavor-packed veggies to enjoy alongside the chicken.

2. Spicy Hoisin Chicken:

If you love spicy food, increase the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade. This will give the dish a fiery kick without overpowering the sweet hoisin sauce.

3. Hoisin Chicken with Noodles:

For a comforting noodle dish, serve the hoisin chicken over rice noodles or egg noodles instead of rice. The noodles will soak up the sauce, creating a deliciously slurp-worthy meal.

4. Crockpot Hoisin Chicken Drumsticks:

For a fun variation, use bone-in chicken drumsticks instead of boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook them the same way, ensuring the drumsticks reach the proper internal temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

1. Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The fluffy, fragrant rice perfectly complements the rich and flavorful chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A simple stir-fry of broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers with a light soy sauce glaze pairs well with the hoisin chicken.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing adds freshness and a contrasting texture to the meal.
4. Steamed Bao Buns: As mentioned earlier, these soft buns make for a fantastic handheld option. Add a slather of hoisin sauce inside each bun for even more flavor.
5. Lettuce Wraps: Crisp lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine, serve as a healthy and low-carb option for serving the chicken. Add shredded carrots, cucumber, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its versatility and mouthwatering taste. Serve it with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, and garnish with your favorite toppings to create a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe

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Slow-cooked meals are perfect for those who crave rich, complex flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe is a delicious combination of tender, succulent chicken simmered in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce, complemented by the umami of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whether served over steamed rice, with noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish is a flavorful favorite that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this slow-cooked hoisin chicken will quickly become a household staple.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

2. Assemble the Slow Cooker:

• Place the boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
• Pour the hoisin sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, 30 minutes before the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.

5. Shred the Chicken:

• Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker or leave the chicken thighs whole, depending on your preference.

6. Serve:

• Serve the hoisin chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Notes

• Chicken Options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, though chicken thighs tend to be juicier.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Vegetable Additions: For a complete meal, you can add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
• Leftovers: Store leftover hoisin chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.