Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Recipe -

Turn everyday chicken thighs into a flavorful, Asian-inspired dinner with this easy Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken recipe.

Tender pieces of chicken are slow-cooked in a rich hoisin, garlic, and ginger sauce, then finished with crisp bell peppers and snap peas for the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors.

Ideal for busy weeknights, this effortless recipe also makes excellent leftovers for meal prep.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2½–3 hours on High or 5–6 hours on Low
Final Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 5½ hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Chicken & Hoisin Sauce

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
¾ cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Vegetables & Thickener

1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
2 cups sugar snap peas or snow peas, trimmed and sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnishes

Steamed jasmine or white rice
Sliced green onions
1 ounce toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a 3½- to 4-quart slow cooker, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir until every piece is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook using one of the following settings:

Low: 5–6 hours
High: 2½–3 hours

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker sauce, then add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas. Gently mix everything together.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Cover the slow cooker again and cook on High for an additional 15 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze while the vegetables become tender-crisp without losing their vibrant color.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the hoisin chicken and vegetables over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Chef’s Tips

Choose Chicken Thighs for Best Results

Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender throughout slow cooking thanks to their higher fat content. If substituting chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 30–45 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry.

Add Vegetables at the End

Stirring in the bell peppers and snap peas during the final 15 minutes keeps them colorful, crisp, and full of fresh flavor.

Create an Even Thicker Glaze

For a richer, stickier sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the final 15 minutes. Allowing excess steam to escape helps the glaze reduce and become thicker.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Estimated values. Rice and optional garnishes are not included.

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	379 kcal	—
Total Fat	13 g	17%
Saturated Fat	4 g	19%
Cholesterol	185 mg	62%
Sodium	910 mg	40%
Carbohydrates	27 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	11%
Total Sugars	17 g	—
Protein	40 g	80%
Vitamin C	64 mg	72%
Calcium	59 mg	5%
Iron	3 mg	18%
Potassium	644 mg	14%