Slow Cooker Soy Sauce Chicken: A Flavorful and Effortless Meal
If you’re looking for a delicious, hands-off dinner packed with bold flavors, this Slow Cooker Soy Sauce Chicken is the perfect choice. With a savory, slightly sweet glaze and tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs, this dish is a guaranteed hit for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a cozy family dinner. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with rich umami flavors, while you enjoy the convenience of minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simply mix the sauce, pour it into the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples create an incredible depth of flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp allspice
- 2 ½ lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic powder, ground ginger, and allspice until well combined.
2. Add to Slow Cooker
Pour the sauce into the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs on top and flip them to coat both sides evenly. Place each chicken thigh skin side down.
3. Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 hours. After 2 hours, stir and flip the chicken thighs skin side up. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
4. Serve
Serve the chicken hot with rice, quinoa, or pasta. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Drizzle extra sauce from the slow cooker on top for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
- Serving Plates or Bowls
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Swap the Protein: Try this with boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even pork tenderloin.
- Extra Aromatics: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic add even more depth of flavor.
- Crispy Skin Option: If you prefer crispy skin, place the cooked chicken thighs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on high in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes until it reduces. Alternatively, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and stir it in, letting it cook for a few extra minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Food & Drink Pairings
This soy sauce chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Butter Noodles – for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – like bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Asian-Inspired Salad – with a sesame dressing.
- Refreshing Drink Pairing: Try it with green tea, ginger lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook a little faster, so check for doneness after 1.5 hours on high.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the Pressure Cook (Manual) function and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or baby potatoes can be added for a one-pot meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Soy Sauce Chicken is the ultimate effortless meal, packed with rich, savory flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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