Savory Mu Shu Chicken Wraps
Delight in these Savory Mu Shu Chicken Wraps, a perfect fusion of flavors that brings together tender chicken thighs, a sweet and savory hoisin sauce, and a crunchy twist from fresh broccoli slaw. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to share, making it an ideal choice for lunch or as a snack during gatherings. The slow cooker method allows the chicken to tenderize beautifully while infusing it with the rich flavors of the sauce, ensuring a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (diced)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1.5-2 lbs (seasoned with salt and pepper)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
hoisin sauce
1 cup
honey
2 tablespoons
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
broccoli coleslaw mix
1 (12 ounce) bag
flour tortilla
as needed (warmed)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the diced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a bed for the chicken.
2
Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper before laying them on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the chicken and onions to a medium bowl, then shred the chicken using two forks.
5
In a separate small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, and ground ginger, whisking them together until well blended.
6
Pour the sauce mixture over the shredded chicken and onions, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
7
Warm the flour tortillas in a pan or microwave, then place a small handful of broccoli slaw onto each tortilla.
8
Top the slaw with several spoonfuls of the chicken mixture, and carefully roll the tortilla up tightly, securing the contents inside.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Mu Shu Chicken Wraps.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mu Shu Chicken?
It is a modern, slow-cooker take on the classic Chinese dish, featuring tender shredded chicken in a sweet and savory hoisin-based sauce served in wraps.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though they may be slightly drier than thighs after shredding.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until it is tender enough to shred easily.
Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, searing is not necessary; the chicken will cook through and absorb flavors perfectly without it.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce is a simple blend of hoisin sauce, honey, and ground ginger.
What is broccoli slaw?
Broccoli slaw is a pre-packaged mix usually consisting of shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and red cabbage.
Can I substitute the broccoli slaw?
Yes, you can use a traditional cabbage coleslaw mix or thinly sliced fresh cabbage.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a bowl and use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin strips.
Is this Mu Shu Chicken recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is savory and sweet. If you want heat, you can add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
How should I warm the flour tortillas?
You can warm them briefly in a dry pan over medium heat or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure you use a gluten-free hoisin sauce and substitute the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A standard 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this amount of chicken and onions.
Can I add extra vegetables to the slow cooker?
While the recipe focuses on onions, you could add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.
Is the honey necessary in the sauce?
The honey provides a nice balance to the saltiness of the hoisin, but you can reduce it or use brown sugar instead.
How do I prevent the wraps from falling apart?
Be sure not to overfill the tortillas and roll them tightly, tucking in the ends if possible.
Can I serve this over rice instead of in wraps?
Absolutely, the shredded chicken and sauce are delicious served over steamed white or brown rice.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
The chicken mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked Mu Shu chicken?
Yes, the shredded chicken in sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use if I don't have ground ginger?
You can use freshly grated ginger; use about one teaspoon of fresh ginger for every 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and assemble the wraps whenever you are ready to eat.
Can I cook this on high heat for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours, though low heat typically results in more tender meat.
What kind of onion should I use?
A standard yellow or white onion works best for a mild, savory base.
Should I drain the liquid before adding the sauce?
The recipe suggests using a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken and onions, which helps discard excess liquid before saucing.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, though flour tortillas are more traditional for wraps as they are more pliable and less likely to crack.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 1.5 to 2 lbs of chicken, it typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on the size of the wraps.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It is relatively healthy, featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables. Using whole wheat tortillas can increase the fiber content.
What is the purpose of the onion bed in the slow cooker?
The onions provide moisture and flavor while preventing the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Can I add garlic?
Yes, adding 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker would enhance the savory flavor profile.
What toppings go well with these wraps?
Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra hoisin sauce make great additional toppings.