Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, succulent chicken infused with rich garlic and zesty ginger – this Slow Cooker Garlic Ginger Chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero! Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavor without hours of complicated preparation, this Asian-inspired dish promises to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the prepared garlic-ginger sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavorful marinade.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker using tongs.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes golden and slightly crisp.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon additional sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a better sear and more concentrated flavor absorption.
- For maximum flavor depth, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before slow cooking if time permits.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- The optional broiling step is crucial for creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Save the extra sauce from the slow cooker – it's liquid gold! Drizzle over rice or use as a quick stir-fry sauce for leftover vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
