Easy Asian Crockpot Chicken Recipes Perfect For Meal Prep
If you’re looking for simple yet flavorful meals to prepare ahead of time, look no further than these easy Asian crockpot chicken recipes. Perfect for meal prep, these dishes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a week’s worth of meals that are packed with flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes that will elevate your meal prep game!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli and bell peppers to the crockpot.
- Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken and vegetables to combine with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Why Use a Crockpot for Asian Chicken Recipes?
Crockpots are a fantastic way to prepare meals because they work slowly to develop flavors. When cooking chicken, this method helps to create tender, juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious sauce. With the right ingredients, you can create a variety of Asian-inspired meals that cater to different tastes.
Meal Prep Tips for Asian Crockpot Chicken
One of the best aspects of these recipes is their suitability for meal prep. Here are a few tips to make the process even smoother:
- Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Consider marinating the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Portion out the meals into containers after cooking for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Pair the chicken with rice, quinoa, or whole grains for a balanced meal.
Variations to Try
Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Add different vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini.
- Change the flavor profile by using teriyaki sauce instead of the original sauce mixture.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate sriracha or another hot sauce of your choice.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Asian crockpot chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in meal-sized portions. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it is recommended to thaw it first for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
What can I serve with Asian crockpot chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a lighter option.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
These easy Asian crockpot chicken recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their meal prep routine. With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a variety of delicious meals that your whole family will love. Enjoy the convenience of having flavorful, healthy meals ready to go at a moment’s notice!
Now that you have all the tools to make your meal prep a breeze, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect combination!
Additional Easy Asian Crockpot Chicken Recipes
If you loved the previous recipe, you will be excited to try out more variations that can spice up your meal prep routine! Here are a few more easy Asian crockpot chicken recipes that are perfect for meal prep.
Teriyaki Chicken
This classic dish brings the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce to your crockpot. It’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Teriyaki Chicken Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice, and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add bell peppers and snap peas to the crockpot.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Once done, shred the chicken and mix with the sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Honey Garlic Chicken
This sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken is another crockpot favorite. It’s easy to make and will satisfy your cravings for something delicious!
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Honey Garlic Chicken Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Add sliced carrots and green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- After cooking, shred the chicken and mix with the sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Spicy Szechuan Chicken
If you like a little heat, this spicy Szechuan chicken recipe will be right up your alley. Loaded with flavor and spice, it’s sure to kick your meal prep into high gear.
Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Spicy Szechuan Chicken Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Szechuan sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Spicy Szechuan Chicken Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together Szechuan sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, shred the chicken and stir in the vegetables and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Final Thoughts on Easy Asian Crockpot Chicken Recipes
These easy Asian crockpot chicken recipes not only save time but also make it easy to enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the week. From teriyaki to honey garlic and spicy Szechuan, each recipe offers unique tastes that are sure to please anyone at the dinner table.
Remember, the beauty of meal prep lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, swap out vegetables, or even experiment with different sauces to create your own signature dishes. The crockpot is a versatile tool that can help you whip up delicious meals with ease, making it a staple in any kitchen.
So gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy the wonderful world of Asian flavors with these simple and satisfying recipes. Happy cooking!
