Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is an amazing dish that combines tender chicken with an irresistible sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can create a fantastic dinner that your entire family will love. The ease of preparation, along with the deep, rich flavors make this dish a standout choice for any culinary enthusiast.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that practically prepares itself, Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is your answer. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy the wonderful aromas that fill your home. This recipe will become a staple in your household, leaving everyone craving more. Whether served over rice or accompanied by vegetables, the delightful flavors will enhance your dinner experience.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn why Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is such a beloved recipe, discover the ideal preparation and cooking times, and follow simple step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that is not only delectable but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken has captured the hearts of countless home cooks for various compelling reasons. Here are just a few:
1. Easy to Make: With a straightforward preparation process, anyone can whip this up in no time.
2. Minimal Ingredients: Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry, making it economical and convenient.
3. Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
4. Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste and even switch up the protein if desired.
5. Deliciously Flavorful: The marriage of ingredients results in a wonderful blend of savory, sweet, and umami notes.
6. Perfect for Entertaining: Impress guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes without much oversight during cooking.
With these highlights in mind, you’ll understand why Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is cherished in households everywhere. It’s a dish that brings pleasure and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

In total, preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken takes approximately 6 hours. The following is a breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
– Servings: 4-6 servings
This easy timeline ensures that you’ll have a hearty meal ready without hassle, allowing you more time to relax or tend to other tasks.

Ingredients

– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup honey
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked rice, for serving
– Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create the fantastic Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken with ease:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps with even cooking and allows flavors to penetrate better.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped chicken into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. Finish Cooking: Cover and allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once ready, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving it over cooked rice.
8. Enjoy: Dig in and savor each bite of this incredible dish!

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken, presentation can elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions to make your meal special:
1. Bowl Arrangement: Serve the Mongolian chicken over a generous bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice. The rice helps soak up the delightful sauce.
2. Garnishes: Finish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Pair with Vegetables: Consider serving steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp salad on the side to balance out the richness of the chicken.
4. Serving Style: Present the chicken in a large serving bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves, or plate individual portions for a more formal touch.
5. Accompaniments: Pair this dish with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce or additional soy sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Following these serving suggestions will ensure that your Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is not just a meal, but an experience that everyone will remember fondly. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the happiness it brings to your table!

Additional Tips

– Choose the Right Chicken: For optimal tenderness and flavor, boneless skinless chicken thighs work best, but breasts can also be used.

– Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of orange juice or use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a unique twist on the original flavor.

– Make it a One-Pot Meal: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli directly into the slow cooker for a complete meal.
– Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
– Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch mixture slightly.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to switch things up! Here are a few variations to try:
1. Pineapple Mongolian Chicken: Add diced pineapple during the last hour of cooking for a fruity flair.

2. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

3. Spicy Mongolian Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha for an extra kick.

4. Add Nuts: Consider throwing in some cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

You will need a few essential tools to prepare this dish successfully:
– Slow Cooker: The star of the show for our Mongolian Chicken.

– Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the chicken and garlic.

– Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right amounts of each ingredient.

– Mixing Bowl: For mixing the sauce ingredients together before adding them to the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take longer to cook. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Is Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
What should I serve with this dish?
Alongside rice, consider adding steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for busy families. With its blend of sweet and savory profiles, it’s bound to be a household favorite. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers satisfying flavors that please everyone at the dinner table. Embrace the ease of slow cooking while enjoying a dish that brings happiness and good memories to your home.