Name: Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening); Sliced green onions for garnish; Sesame seeds for garnish; Cooked rice for serving

why make this recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is a fantastic dish for busy weekdays. It combines simple ingredients and requires little hands-on time, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, letting the flavors blend beautifully while you focus on other tasks.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

how to make Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
Sliced green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Directions:

Pat the sliced chicken dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken slices with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water (or broth), brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the Mongolian chicken hot over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

how to serve Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

Serve this delicious Mongolian chicken over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a treat. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for extra color and nutrients.

how to store Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the chicken sauce and rice to keep them fresh.

tips to make Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it with cornstarch. This helps it brown better.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking time.

variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they stay crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take longer to cook. Make sure to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I substitute the soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free or lower-sodium option.

How do I reheat the leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.