Asian Crockpot Chicken Recipes For Busy Weeknight Dinners
Busy weeknights often leave little room for elaborate cooking. However, with the right recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Asian crockpot chicken recipes are perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare. These recipes allow you to throw ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and return home to a mouthwatering dinner ready to be served.
In this article, we will explore several Asian-inspired crockpot chicken recipes that are not only simple but also packed with taste. Whether you are craving a sweet and sticky teriyaki chicken or a savory sesame garlic dish, you will find a recipe that fits your palate. Let’s dive into these delightful meals that are sure to impress your family and friends!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Steamed vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over cooked rice and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
More Delicious Asian Crockpot Chicken Recipes
1. Sweet and Sour Chicken
This sweet and sour chicken recipe brings a delightful twist to your dinner table. The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce makes it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In the crockpot, combine the cubed chicken, sweet and sour sauce, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, onion, and soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine and coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
2. Honey Garlic Chicken
A simple yet flavorful dish, honey garlic chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with rice and steamed veggies.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Steamed broccoli, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce before serving.
- Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.
3. Spicy Asian Chicken
If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, this spicy Asian chicken recipe is for you. The sauce is packed with flavor and a kick that will satisfy your cravings.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, it may require additional cooking time to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
2. What can I serve with crockpot chicken?
Some great sides to serve with crockpot chicken include rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also use it in wraps or sandwiches.
3. How can I store leftover crockpot chicken?
Leftover crockpot chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I adjust the spice levels in these recipes?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less of the spicy ingredients, such as sriracha or red pepper flakes, based on your preference.
Conclusion
Asian crockpot chicken recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity and versatility. You can easily tailor them to suit your tastes or dietary needs. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful dinner that your family will love. So, grab your crockpot and start cooking these delicious Asian-inspired meals that will make your busy weeknights a breeze!
