The aroma wafts through the kitchen, a fragrant blend of sweet and savory that makes your taste buds dance with anticipation. Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience designed to transport you to a bustling Asian market where spices mingle in the air, and every bite tells a story of comfort and warmth.
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’ve had a long day at work. The last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Enter your trusty slow cooker. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that fills your home with delightful scents and your belly with deliciousness. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in when all you need is a bowl of joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken offers flavor that will have you dreaming about it long after dinner.
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze.
- The beautiful colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even veggies!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too—just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Fresh Ginger: Use about an inch of fresh ginger for the best flavor; it adds warmth and spice to the dish.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they give the sauce its signature kick.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced and avoid overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your personal taste.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in bringing that authentic Asian flavor to the dish.
- Green Onions: Chop these up for garnish; they add color and freshness to each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs. You want them nice and clean because we’re aiming for tenderness here.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until everything’s well blended—you’re creating magic here!
Step 3: Place Everything in the Slow Cooker
Put your chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated; we want every bite packed with flavor!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. The longing will only make it taste better—trust me!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily if cooked properly.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with sauce for more flavor infusion before serving over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for that final touch! For more inspiration, check out this slow cooker pot roast recipe.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Now you have an incredible meal ready to impress everyone around you! Enjoy every mouthful of this luscious Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken—it’s comfort food at its finest!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes dinner planning a breeze.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences.
- Its rich aromas make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, perfect for cozy evenings or casual get-togethers.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken to lock in flavors, then add it to the slow cooker with the sauce. As this cooks, you can prepare any sides, like rice or veggies, to accompany your meal perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for beef or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli can elevate the dish and add color. Don’t forget about experimenting with spices for an extra kick!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, simply warm in a pot over low heat or use a microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor impact; dried versions just don’t cut it.
- Avoid overcooking by checking chicken early; tenderness is key!
- And remember to taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate your dish immensely.
I once made Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken for a family dinner, and my uncle declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” I still have no idea what that means, but I’ll take it!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken?
To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Additionally, include green onions for garnish and cornstarch to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking. Optional ingredients like bell peppers or broccoli can add extra flavor and nutrition. These simple ingredients combine to create a deliciously sweet and savory dish that is perfect over rice or noodles.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken?
Cooking Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. You can adjust the cooking time based on your schedule while still achieving a fantastic meal.
Can I make Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables and mix the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. On cooking day, simply combine everything in your slow cooker and set it to cook. This makes it an ideal meal prep option for busy days when you want a comforting dinner without much effort.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken?
Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles as they soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh side salad for added crunch and nutrition. quick vegetable stir fry For a complete meal, consider including egg rolls or spring rolls on the side. These options complement the dish’s sweet and savory profile perfectly.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken :
Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers tender chicken infused with sweet and savory notes. It cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without hassle. swiss chicken bake recipe Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights, this dish will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete and delightful dining experience.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings tender chicken thighs together with a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, filling your home with irresistible aromas and satisfying comfort food cravings. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until combined.
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker to soak up more sauce before serving.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: - Substitute chicken with beef or tofu for a different protein option. - Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. - To thicken the sauce at the end of cooking, mix in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
