Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Recipe | Easy Asian Crockpot Dinner
There are so many recipes that can be made using hoisin sauce, which I love. Today I’m going to discuss a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken recipe that’s quick to prepare, loaded with bold Asian flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights. This Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken is your new go-to dinner idea! Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, savory-sweet hoisin garlic sauce create an easy, high-protein meal that the whole family will love.
I made this recipe for those who are following a low-carb high-protein diet and are looking for a healthy crockpot dinner recipe or low carb chicken meals. The bold umami flavors, sticky glaze, and effortless preparation make it a hit for both weeknight meals and special occasions. It’s also a budget-friendly chicken recipe that fits perfectly into clean eating plans, low sugar diets.
🔥 Why I Love This Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken?
This healthy slow cooker chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner – easy, flavorful, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep! Here’s why it’s a must-try for your kitchen:
- ✔High Protein, Low Carb: Ideal for keto, diabetic-friendly, and low-carb lifestyles. A perfect healthy crockpot chicken dinner option.
- ✔Dump-and-Go Convenience: Just 10 minutes of prep – the best easy slow cooker chicken recipe for busy families or working professionals.
- ✔Asian-Inspired Flavor: The sweet-savory tang of hoisin, garlic, and sesame oil delivers restaurant-style flavor at home.
- ✔Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well for 4+ days – a smart choice for budget-friendly weekly meal planning.
- ✔Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will love this sticky-sweet and garlicky chicken recipe.
Related: Chicken Cutlet Recipes
🛒 Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken
Here’s everything you need to make this flavor-packed Asian-inspired crockpot chicken recipe. These pantry staples are budget-friendly, protein-rich, and perfect for your next healthy slow cooker dinner or high-protein meal prep idea.
- ✅ 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy and ideal for slow cooking
- ✅ 1/2 cup Hoisin Sauce – Rich, sweet-salty base for the sauce (opt for low sugar)
- ✅ 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced – Adds bold, savory depth
- ✅ 2 tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos – For gluten-free alternative
- ✅ 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity
- ✅ 1 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar – Optional, for natural sweetness (or use monk fruit for low-carb)
- ✅ 1 tsp Sesame Oil – For toasty, nutty flavor
- ✅ 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger – Adds warm, aromatic spice
- ✅ 1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes (Optional) – For a subtle kick
- ✅ 1 tbsp Cornstarch + 2 tbsp Water – Optional, to thicken the sauce before serving
- ✅ Garnish: Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions – Adds texture and freshness
💡 Pro Tip: Always use low-sodium or sugar-free hoisin sauce to keep your dish low-carb and diabetic-friendly. Try organic brands or alternatives from trusted sources.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken
Follow these easy crockpot chicken recipe steps to make a mouthwatering high protein Asian chicken dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this healthy slow cooker hoisin chicken will become your new favorite weeknight meal!
- Prepare the Hoisin Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup hoisin sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp ground ginger, and optional red chili flakes for heat.
- Layer Chicken in the Crockpot: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Pour the prepared hoisin garlic sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optional – Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker, sticky sauce, remove the chicken temporarily. Stir together 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, and mix it into the sauce. Cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Toss well in the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
For even more flavor, sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side before placing them into the slow cooker.
Related: Dak Bulgogi Recipe
🥢 Delicious Serving Suggestions for Hoisin Garlic Chicken
Wondering what to serve with your Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken? Here are the best low-carb, high-protein, and family-friendly pairings that turn this Asian-style crockpot dinner into a complete, satisfying meal.
- 🍚 Serve over Fluffy Jasmine or Basmati Rice
The sticky hoisin garlic sauce pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice for a satisfying Asian dinner recipe. - 🥦 Add Steamed Broccoli or Stir-Fried Veggies
For a fiber-rich, low-carb dinner option, add seasonal vegetables like snow peas, baby bok choy, or green beans. - 🥬 Lettuce Wraps for Low-Carb/Keto Style
Shred the chicken and serve in butter lettuce cups for a healthy Asian chicken lettuce wrap — perfect for weight loss diets and meal prep. [This is my favorite option] - 🍜 Try with Brown Rice Noodles or Cauliflower Rice
These options soak up the sauce and complement the dish without the guilt. - 🥗 Pair with Asian Slaw or Cucumber Salad
The crunch of raw veggies tossed in sesame oil and rice vinegar balances the rich, savory-sweet chicken flavor.
Related: One Pot Chicken & Rice With Caramelized Lemon
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this slow cooker hoisin garlic chicken is how well it stores and reheats! If you’re looking for healthy chicken meal prep ideas or easy freezer-friendly chicken dinners, this dish is a perfect option. Follow these expert-tested tips to keep your chicken juicy, flavorful, and safe to eat.
🥶 Refrigeration
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for next-day lunches or quick protein-packed dinners.
❄️ Freezing
For long-term storage, freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date for best food safety practices.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or hoisin sauce to keep it moist. Or microwave in short bursts for quick convenience.
🍱 Meal Prep Friendly
Divide into meal prep containers with rice or steamed veggies for grab-and-go lunches. This is one of the easiest high-protein chicken meal prep recipes you’ll love!
If you want to prep ahead, just add all ingredients to a freezer bag and freeze before cooking. On a busy day, just dump in your slow cooker for the easiest dump-and-go chicken freezer meal ever!
Suggested: Make-Ahead Freezer Meals
Recipe Variations & Substitutes
These slow cooker hoisin garlic chicken variations are perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle, keto meal plan, or simply experimenting with new flavors. Also, this is one of mt favorite and healthy crockpot recipes.
- 🍗 Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs: Want a leaner cut? Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this Asian-inspired slow cooker chicken recipe. Reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes to avoid dryness.
- 🌶️ Make It Spicy: Add 1–2 tsp of sriracha sauce, chili garlic paste, or red pepper flakes to create a bold spicy hoisin chicken recipe.
- 🥦 Add Hidden Veggies: Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a one-pot healthy dinner.
- 🥢 Low Carb / Keto Version: Use sugar-free hoisin sauce and replace honey with keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit syrup or erythritol.
- 🥬 Lettuce Wraps Style: Shred the chicken and serve in crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups. A great low-carb Asian dinner idea under 300 calories!
- 🍜 Hoisin Garlic Chicken Bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice, shirataki noodles, or zoodles for a healthy, high-protein meal-prep bowl. These are the best pair for this easy slow cooker chicken dinner.
Suggested: 30-Minute Vegan Dinners
🥢 Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, no-fuss Asian-inspired chicken recipe made with juicy boneless chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky, savory-sweet hoisin garlic sauce. This easy dump-and-go crockpot chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or lazy weekends. Packed with protein and bursting with umami, it's also low in carbs and kid-friendly!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 6) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)
- Garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and chili flakes. - Add to Slow Cooker:
Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the hoisin garlic sauce over the chicken, coating evenly. - Cook:
Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F). - Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
Remove chicken and set aside. Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken and toss to coat. - Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over cauliflower rice, steamed rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
Notes
- For meal prep: Store in airtight containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Make it low carb: Use sugar-free hoisin and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- For extra flavor: Sear the chicken in a skillet before slow cooking.
- Make it spicy: Add sriracha or more red chili flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, or lo mein noodles.
- Add steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas for a complete meal.
- Use leftovers in wraps, salads, or lettuce cups.
Variations
- Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Wings – Use wings instead of thighs for a party appetizer.
- Hoisin Chicken Bowls – Slice chicken and serve over brown rice with veggies and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Shred and serve in romaine or butter lettuce cups with chopped peanuts.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 228Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 872mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 13g
Suggested: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Frequently Asked Questions
About Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. They’re leaner and lower in fat, making this a great low calorie crockpot chicken recipe. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.
Traditional hoisin sauce contains sugar, but you can use a keto hoisin sauce or a low-carb alternative to make this recipe 100% keto. Serve it with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low carb crockpot dinner idea.
Yes! This is an ideal slow cooker meal prep recipe. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic make-ahead high protein chicken dinner.
Try it with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a garlic stir-fry veggie mix. These pairings create a delicious healthy slow cooker Asian meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Yes! Use the “Poultry” setting or cook on high pressure for 10 minutes followed by a natural release. This makes it an excellent Instant Pot hoisin chicken dinner that’s quick and full of flavor.
Related: Broken Egg Salad Recipe
🛒 Recommended Tools & Ingredients for the Perfect Hoisin Garlic Chicken
These top-rated kitchen tools and pantry essentials will help you master this slow cooker Asian chicken recipe with ease. Grab these must-haves to make your cooking faster, easier, and tastier! (Affiliate links included.)
Crockpot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
Perfect for making tender hoisin garlic chicken, stews, and batch meals with easy controls and keep-warm setting.
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Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (Low Sodium)
A pantry essential for Asian-inspired slow cooker recipes. Rich, umami-packed, and lower in sugar & sodium.
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Stainless Steel Garlic Press
Make mincing garlic quick & easy—essential for that bold hoisin garlic flavor in every bite!
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Suggested: Keto Overnight Oats
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