Easy Savory Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this mouthwatering slow cooker hoisin chicken that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your table.

Tender chicken thighs soak up a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that promises to become a household favorite.

The slow cooker works its magic, breaking down the meat until it falls apart with minimal effort.

Packed with aromatic Asian-inspired seasonings, this dish delivers complex flavors without complicated preparation.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress.

What Makes Hoisin Chicken Shine

• Minimize Kitchen Effort: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away while a delicious meal develops with zero active cooking time.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delivers tender, juicy chicken packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily transform this hoisin chicken into multiple dishes like tacos, salads, rice bowls, or sandwiches for quick and exciting meal variations.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable chicken cuts and pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal without expensive ingredients or extensive prep work.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender and juicy meat perfect for slow cooking.

• Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce: Rich and savory flavor base for the dish.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Bright and tangy liquid that adds depth.
• Asian Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and spicy sauce for extra kick.
• Dried Minced Onions: Subtle onion flavor without chopping.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.

• Cornstarch, Water: Magical combo to create smooth and glossy sauce.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Slow Cooker Liner: Makes cleanup super easy.

• Ginger, Garlic: Warm and zesty flavor boosters that make the dish sing.

Steps for Making Hoisin Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

If you prefer, you can also use a plastic liner for even easier cleaning.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine vinegar
• Asian sweet chili sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Dried minced onions
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

Place chicken breasts or thighs directly into the slow cooker.

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top, making sure the chicken is completely coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low heat: Cook for 6 hours
• High heat: Cook for 3 hours

Chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily falls apart with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board.

Let it cool slightly, then use two forks to shred the meat into delicious, tender pieces.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

• Cornstarch
• Water

Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and whisk thoroughly.

Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Final Mix and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Stir to coat the meat completely in the rich, thickened sauce.

Serve warm and enjoy your delectable hoisin chicken!

Hoisin Chicken Tips to Try

• Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust seasonings like ginger or chili sauce to match your preference for heat and depth.
• Choose chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option, ensuring meat remains tender during slow cooking.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent mixture that evenly coats the chicken during cooking.
• Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for different dietary needs and exciting presentation styles.
• If sauce becomes too thick, slowly add chicken broth or water to reach desired texture without diluting the rich flavor profile.

Storing and Warming Hoisin Chicken

• Store leftover hoisin chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness and maintain sauce consistency.

Best Pairings for Hoisin Chicken

Pairing Flavor Boosters: Complement the Sweet and Savory Hoisin Chicken

• Steamed Jasmine Rice Bed: Create a fluffy base that soaks up the rich, tangy sauce, providing a perfect canvas for the tender chicken.
• Crisp Asian Slaw Side: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with rice vinegar, julienned carrots, and green onions to add refreshing crunch and balance the dish's richness.
• Wine Companion Choice: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or off-dry Gewürztraminer that matches the hoisin's sweet-spicy profile and cuts through the chicken's depth.
• Garnish with Green Notes: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top to introduce a bright, herbal finish that lifts the entire dish's flavor complexity.

Creative Spins on Hoisin Chicken

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free version of the dish while maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Spicy Chicken Remix: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase heat intensity and create a zesty, more intense flavor experience.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt to decrease overall sodium content without compromising taste.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with boneless pork shoulder or turkey thighs for a different protein option that absorbs the hoisin sauce beautifully.

FAQs

• What is hoisin sauce and why is it used in this recipe?

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It’s sweet and tangy, made from fermented soybeans, providing rich flavor and depth to the chicken dish.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just add approximately 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so you’ll need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

• How spicy is this hoisin chicken?

This recipe is mild with subtle heat from the Asian sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more spice, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase the heat level.

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory slow cooker hoisin chicken brings Asian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Rich, tangy sauce envelops tender meat, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 0.5 tablespoon dried minced onions
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Thickener:

• 0.5 cup hoisin sauce
• 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Asian sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker surface by applying a light nonstick spray or inserting a protective liner to ensure effortless cleanup.
2. Create a harmonious sauce by blending hoisin, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Asian sweet chili sauce, minced ginger, crushed garlic, dried onions, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until perfectly smooth.
3. Gently nestle chicken pieces into the slow cooker and cascade the prepared sauce over them, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Select cooking method: low temperature for approximately 6 hours or high temperature for roughly 3 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches optimal tenderness.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, allowing brief cooling before transforming into delicate shreds using two forks.
6. Create a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water, then integrate into the cooking liquid, whisking thoroughly to promote sauce thickening.
7. Elevate slow cooker temperature to high, allowing sauce to condense and intensify for 5-10 minutes.
8. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the richly developed sauce, stirring to achieve complete and luxurious coating.
9. Plate and serve the succulent, sauce-embraced chicken while maintaining ideal warmth.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, as they are more forgiving in slow cooking compared to lean chicken breasts.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water precisely to prevent lumpy sauce, ensuring smooth and glossy consistency when thickening.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Asian sweet chili sauce or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier profiles.
• Substitute hoisin sauce with gluten-free alternatives like tamari for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg