Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

If you love effortless meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is the perfect dish to add to your weekly dinner rotation. Packed with the sweet-savory richness of hoisin sauce and cooked to tender perfection, this recipe is everything you want in a comforting, fuss-free meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish makes it incredibly easy to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors right from your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hoisin sauce, often referred to as the Chinese version of barbecue sauce, brings bold flavors with hints of garlic, five-spice, and sweetness. When paired with tender, juicy chicken and simmered slowly, the result is a deeply flavorful dish that soaks into every bite. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or even toss it in a salad.

But beyond taste, what makes this dish a true weeknight hero is its simplicity. After just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes over, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy by dinnertime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover with the lid.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 4: Optional – Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir again, and let it cook on high for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce cups.

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful dish can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite serving options:

• Rice Bowl: Spoon the chicken over jasmine or basmati rice with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. You can also check out these Chicken Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce for a similar customizable meal idea.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine to create fresh, low-carb wraps perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
• Asian Sliders: Sandwich the hoisin chicken between toasted slider buns with a bit of slaw for an easy party snack.
• Noodle Stir-In: Toss the shredded chicken into cooked lo mein or soba noodles for a satisfying dinner that comes together in minutes.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicier and more flavorful during long cooking compared to breasts.
• Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the mixture if you like a kick of heat.
• Double the Batch: This recipe is great for leftovers. Double the ingredients and freeze half for later!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Portion the chicken with rice and veggies into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Variations to Try

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:

• Pineapple Twist: Add canned pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a tangy tropical flair—similar to our Hawaiian Chicken Slow Cooker recipe.
• Asian Fusion Tacos: Serve the hoisin chicken in flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
• Stir Fry Add-In: Use leftovers in a veggie stir fry for a quick and satisfying second meal, much like our Sticky Beef Noodles.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

What to Serve on the Side

Balance this rich, savory main with a variety of sides:

• Simple steamed jasmine rice or creamy orzo like this Broccoli Cheddar version
• Asian-style cucumber salad or shredded cabbage slaw
• Pan-seared veggies like bok choy, bell peppers, or mushrooms
• If you’re planning a themed dinner, serve alongside Asian Glazed Salmon for an elegant yet easy dual-protein meal.

More Asian-Inspired Dishes to Try

If this recipe has you craving more delicious Asian fusion meals, try these next:

• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – spicy, creamy, and ready in no time.
• Sweet Chili Chicken – perfect for anyone who loves a touch of heat.
• Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce – crispy, crunchy perfection.
• Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef – warming and bold, ideal for cozy nights in.

Why Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

What makes this recipe truly shine is how much it simplifies your life while delivering flavor that tastes like it took hours of effort. You can prep it in the morning and return home to a fully cooked, savory dish that’s ready to plate. And because it pairs well with a wide range of sides and add-ins, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your tastes and your week.

For fans of hearty meals like Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta or Beef Steak in Creamy Garlic Sauce, this dish is another one that delivers comfort with every bite—only this time with bold, Asian-inspired flair.

If you love experimenting with slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken or Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot for more no-fuss dinner solutions.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is one of those dishes that feels special enough for guests, but is easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner. It brings together convenience, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite. Whether you enjoy it with rice, in wraps, or as leftovers during the week, this is a meal you’ll keep coming back to.

Looking for more comfort-food recipes with global inspiration? Be sure to explore options like our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles and Garlic Chicken Fried Rice for more international favorites your family will love.