Savory Orange Ginger Hoisin Chicken
This Savory Orange Ginger Hoisin Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a vibrant twist to your dinner table. The rich sauce, combining the sweetness of honey and tang of orange juice with the umami notes of soy and hoisin, envelops tender chicken breasts, creating a dish that is both comforting and enticing. Perfect served over fluffy brown rice to soak up the extra sauce, this recipe utilizes frozen chicken for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Found in 'Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook', it's a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
4-6 servings
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons (thawed)
Honey
1/4 cup
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons
Fresh ginger
3 slices (peeled, about 1/4-inch thick)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons
Cold water
2 teaspoons
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (optional)
Frozen boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (do not thaw)
Instructions
1
In a large zip lock bag, combine the thawed orange juice concentrate, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fresh ginger slices, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
2
Add the frozen chicken breast halves to the bag one at a time, sealing it after each addition to ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
3
Once all the chicken is added, transfer the coated chicken and remaining sauce into the slow cooker.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5
Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken to a warm platter. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan.
6
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Bring the strained sauce to a boil over high heat, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
7
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
8
Drizzle some of the thickened sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest for serving on the side. If desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to finish.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
40g
Protein
1g
Fiber
22g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Orange Ginger Hoisin Chicken?
It is a fusion dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a rich sauce made from honey, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Where was this recipe originally published?
This recipe was found in 'Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook'.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Do I need to thaw the chicken before cooking?
No, the instructions specify to use the chicken breasts frozen and not to thaw them before adding to the slow cooker.
How long does the chicken cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on low for 5 to 6 hours until it is tender and fully cooked.
What are the primary flavors in the sauce?
The sauce combines sweetness from honey and orange juice with savory umami notes from soy and hoisin sauce, accented by ginger and garlic.
How do I prepare the orange juice concentrate?
You should use 2 tablespoons of the concentrate and ensure it is thawed before mixing it into the marinade.
How should the fresh ginger be prepared?
Use 3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled and cut to about 1/4-inch thickness.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is there any oil in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
How do I coat the chicken with the marinade?
Combine the marinade ingredients in a large zip lock bag and add the frozen chicken breasts one at a time, sealing and coating after each addition.
What should I do with the sauce once the chicken is cooked?
Carefully transfer the chicken to a platter and strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by bringing the strained liquid to a boil and stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water.
What is the recipe for the cornstarch slurry?
Combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
It takes about 1 to 2 minutes of stirring occasionally over high heat.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is perfect served over fluffy brown rice, which helps soak up the extra sauce.
Are there any suggested toppings for the chicken?
Yes, you can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top as an optional finish.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the Savory Orange Ginger Hoisin Chicken?
The dish contains 22 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for busy weeknights due to the convenience of using frozen chicken.
What is the purpose of the zip lock bag in the instructions?
The bag is used to combine the marinade and ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly and evenly coated before cooking.
Can I cook this recipe on high?
The recipe specifically recommends cooking on the low setting for 5-6 hours for the best results.
What ingredient count does this recipe have?
The recipe utilizes 11 distinct ingredients.
Why should the sauce be strained?
Straining the sauce through a mesh strainer removes the ginger slices and garlic bits for a smooth final consistency.
Is this an Asian-inspired dish?
Yes, the use of hoisin, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil gives it a distinct Asian cuisine profile.