Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is a flavorful, Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless weekend dinners. This savory-sweet chicken features tender, slow-cooked pieces coated in a sticky, bold hoisin glaze made with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and honey. As it simmers low and slow in your crockpot, the chicken soaks up the rich, aromatic flavors, resulting in a dish that tastes like takeout but is made right at home. Whether served over fluffy white rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a delicious, hands-off dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1:
Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Trim excess fat if needed.
Step 2:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken and turn to coat evenly.
Step 3:
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4:
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Step 5:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat in the thickened sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 6:
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Variation
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or bone-in cuts, just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a veggie boost.
- Try with tofu or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Mix in crushed peanuts or chopped cashews for crunch.
Cooking Note
Chicken thighs work best in slow cooker recipes due to their higher fat content and ability to stay juicy. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, keep an eye on cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Adjust the sriracha based on your heat preference, skip it altogether for a milder version or double it for extra spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing. It also pairs beautifully with lo mein, rice noodles, or quinoa. For a lighter option, spoon the chicken into lettuce cups or serve alongside stir-fried vegetables. Add a side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings to round out the meal. Drizzle with extra sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for restaurant-quality presentation.
Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, great for meal prep.
- Double the sauce recipe if you prefer extra glaze for drizzling.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Add crushed pineapple or orange zest for a sweet citrusy twist.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3½ hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 365 per serving
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- It’s best to thaw chicken before using in the slow cooker for food safety and even cooking. Fully defrost before adding.
How can I make it gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free hoisin sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
- Yes. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes. Shred, stir in cornstarch slurry, and sauté to thicken the sauce.
Is hoisin sauce spicy?
- Hoisin is more sweet and savory than spicy. The optional sriracha in this recipe adds heat. Adjust according to preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes. Prepare and cook as directed, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken brings bold Asian flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of sweet, tangy, and umami-rich sauce creates a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this slow cooker recipe ensures delicious results with little fuss. With easy prep, rich flavor, and versatile serving options, this dish is a go-to recipe that you’ll come back to again and again