Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

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Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is an effortless blend of succulent chicken, honey, hoisin sauce, and aromatic spices. Let the slow cooker work its magic for a hassle-free yet flavorful Asian slow cooker shredded chicken that promises to delight your taste buds.

Asian slow cooker shredded chicken served over a bowl of rice.

I love how this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is perfect for a range of occasions, from busy weeknights when time is scarce to casual gatherings where you want to impress without the stress. Slow cooker dinners offer convenience and a flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.

The combination of tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with Asian spices and seasoning produces a blend of sweet and savory notes. The richness of flavors and tender texture make this slow cooker meal a go-to recipe in my house.

I also love that this recipe uses the slow cooker which in recent times has taken a back seat to the Instant Pot. It's still one of my favorite appliances and this crockpot hoisin chicken will remind you why it's still in your kitchen.

What is Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is the secret ingredient in Chinese cooking that adds a sweet, salty, and slightly tangy kick to dishes. This sweet sauce (sometimes referred to as Chinese barbecue sauce) is made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and a hint of spices, hoisin brings that unmistakable depth and richness to the table. It can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store.

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What is Hoisin Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
Variations/ Substitutions
Equipment
Storage
Slow Cooker Chicken Cooking Tips
FAQ
Related
Serving Suggestions
RECIPE

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken makes for easy preparation and is a healthier option. If you prefer dark meat, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds a salty and savory depth to the recipe. Opting for reduced sodium allows for better control over the dish's saltiness. You can substitute with tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Honey – A natural sweetener that balances the savory flavors and contributes to the slow cooker honey garlic chicken's sticky and caramelized texture. You can also use pure maple syrup.
Hoisin Sauce – This Chinese sauce adds a rich, complex flavor to the chicken.
Rice Vinegar – This vinegar provides a slightly sweet, tangy and acidic element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Use apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
Toasted Sesame Seed Oil – Adds a distinctive nutty flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Garlic – Aromatic and flavorful, fresh garlic brings its signature taste to the mix, elevating the savory notes of the recipe.
Scallions – Used as a fresh, crisp garnish, scallions contribute a mild onion flavor and add a pop of color to the finished dish.
Sesame Seeds – These small seeds provide a subtle crunch and a nutty undertone, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Enhances the flavors of the slow cooker hoisin chicken.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Chicken breasts and hoisin sauce in a crockpot.

Add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.

2. Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on the high heat setting or 6-7 hours on the low setting. Make sure to flip the slow cooker honey garlic chicken breast over when cooked halfway.

Shred slow cooker honey garlic chicken with a hand mixer.

3. Once fully cooked, shred chicken. I use a hand mixer for easy shredding. Season Asian slow cooker shredded chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Remove from slow cooker and and top with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve on a bed of rice or with other side dishes.

Hint: A hand mixer does a great job of shredding the chicken. If you don't have a hand mixer you can transfer the chicken to the bowl of a stand mixer or shred by hand using a few forks.

Variations/ Substitutions

Spicy – Add some heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce or diced chili peppers to the sauce. This variation introduces a spicy element that complements the sweetness of the honey and hoisin.
Add Pineapple – Add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a tropical touch. The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs well with the savory components of the dish.
Vegetarian - For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure vegetables are tender but not overcooked.

Equipment

When choosing a slow cooker, opt for a size that will fit your typical needs as a family. A 6-8 quart size is ideal for most families. Look for models with variable temperature settings to provide flexibility in cooking times and ensure your dishes are perfectly cooked. Programmable timers are valuable for busy schedules, allowing you to set the cooking duration and then switch to a warm setting. A removable, dishwasher-safe insert simplifies cleanup. Additionally, opt for a cooker with a transparent lid, enabling you to monitor the cooking process without losing heat.

Storage

Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. Divide larger quantities into smaller portions for quicker cooling and reheating.

Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to several months.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cooking Tips

Choose high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. The lean nature of chicken breasts ensures tender, flavorful meat.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. Adjust the sweetness with honey, the saltiness with soy sauce, and the tanginess with rice vinegar to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile.
When placing ingredients in the slow cooker, ensure an even distribution. Layer the chicken evenly, and pour the sauce over it to guarantee consistent flavor throughout the dish.
For even cooking, flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides absorb the flavors and cook evenly.
Don't open the slow cooker lid more than necessary as it will loose a lot of heat.
For expertly shredded Asian slow cooker shredded chicken, use a hand mixer once the chicken it's cooked. Alternatively, two forks can be used to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker.
While the recipe provides both high and low settings, opting for the lower setting (6-7 hours) generally results in more tender and flavorful chicken. This allows the ingredients to meld gradually.

FAQ

Can I make this with bone-in chicken?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may require a longer duration to ensure thorough cooking. You will want to remove the chicken bones and skin before shredding the chicken.

Is hoisin chicken spicy?

The basic recipe is not really spicy. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers if you desire some heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking during preparation.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking?

To prevent dryness, ensure you don't overcook the chicken. Follow the recommended cooking times, and consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If using boneless thighs, they can be more forgiving in terms of moisture retention.

Looking for more slow cooker or crockpot recipes? Try these:

Serving Suggestions

Pair your delectable Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken with Instant Pot long grain rice to soak up the savory sauce, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Alternatively, serve it over pressure cooker quinoa for a nutritious twist. For a low-carb option, consider adding air fryer broccolini or a bed of crisp, fresh lettuce leaves for enticing hoisin chicken lettuce wraps served with a dipping sauce.
Enhance the experience by adding a side of stir-fried vegetables, air fryer frozen egg rolls, scallop fried rice, simple air fryer green beans, snap peas or a crunchy Asian slaw, providing contrasting textures and vibrant flavors that complement the rich and savory notes of the dish.

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