Sweet and savory Chinese hoisin sauce is a perfect match for chicken. Combine it with a few simple pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and a generous pinch of black pepper, and you’ll get a flavor reminiscent of teriyaki—no hassle required. Let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to enjoy.
How you serve it is entirely up to you. Whether it’s in a rice bowl, tossed with noodles, layered over a salad, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this hoisin chicken is versatile and ready to elevate any meal!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Steamed rice or lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Sauce and Chicken
In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce. - Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and registers an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Thicken the Sauce
- Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon.
- Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, stir together the water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Serve
Serve the chicken over steamed rice, in lettuce leaves for wraps, or as desired. Drizzle with the thickened sauce for extra flavor.
RECIPE NOTES
- Hoisin Sauce: Look for a thick, paste-like hoisin sauce in a jar for best results. To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the hoisin sauce is wheat-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Enjoy this flavorful and versatile hoisin chicken that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh lettuce wraps!
