Slow-Cooked Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Slow-Cooked Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! The rich blend of sweet and savory tastes, accentuated by the zing of orange juice and a hint of spice, creates a sauce that's simply irresistible. Perfectly tender chicken thighs simmer to perfection in the crock pot, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience. Serve these flavorful thighs over a bed of steaming hot rice and garnish with fresh green onions for a beautiful presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Adjust the sauce ingredients to your preference for extra deliciousness. Whether you're entertaining guests or preparing a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 (none)
olive oil
5 teaspoons (none)
warm water
1/3 cup (none)
packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (none)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (none)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chinese five spice powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (none)
cold water
2 tablespoons (none)
hot cooked rice
as needed (none)
sliced green onion
as desired (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Spray the interior of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2
Layer the boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of the crock pot, stacking them neatly.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, warm water, brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Chinese five spice powder to create a flavorful sauce.
4
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
6
After cooking, mix together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crock pot.
7
Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8
Serve the glazed chicken thighs over hot cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow-Cooked Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs?
It is a slow cooker dish featuring boneless chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder.
How many chicken thighs does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How long should the chicken cook on the low setting?
The chicken should cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until it is tender.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spray the interior of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray before adding the chicken.
What ingredients are in the Asian glaze sauce?
The sauce is made from olive oil, warm water, brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Chinese five-spice powder.
How do I thicken the sauce at the end?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the crock pot, and cook on high for 30 minutes.
Is the orange juice used in the recipe fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much garlic is needed for this dish?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
Does this chicken recipe have a spicy kick?
It has a mild hint of spice provided by 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is Chinese five-spice powder?
It is a spice blend used to provide a warm, aromatic flavor profile common in Asian cuisine.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the glazed chicken thighs over a bed of hot cooked rice garnished with sliced green onions.
Can I add vegetables to this meal?
Yes, it pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables for a complete dinner.
How much brown sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Should the water for the sauce be cold or warm?
The initial sauce mixture uses 1/3 cup of warm water, while the cornstarch slurry uses 2 tablespoons of cold water.
What kind of vinegar is best for this glaze?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
How should I prepare the chicken thighs?
Use boneless skinless thighs and layer them neatly at the bottom of the crock pot.
Is olive oil required for this recipe?
Yes, 5 teaspoons of olive oil are included in the sauce mixture.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe specifies thighs for tenderness, you can use breasts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out.
What is the purpose of ketchup in the glaze?
Ketchup adds thickness, sweetness, and a slight tang to the sauce.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 15 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as they fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
What garnish is used for the final presentation?
Sliced green onions are used as a garnish for color and freshness.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly in a mixing bowl before pouring them over the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, slow-cooked chicken thighs hold up well and can be stored for later meals.
What is the role of soy sauce in this dish?
Soy sauce provides the essential salty, umami base for the Asian-style glaze.
How much cornstarch is needed for thickening?
You will need 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Can I cook this faster on high heat?
While the recipe suggests 5-6 hours on low, you could cook on high for approximately 2.5-3 hours, though low heat yields more tender results.
Is the chicken supposed to be skinless?
Yes, using skinless thighs prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy during the slow cooking process.
What provides the acidity in the sauce?
The white vinegar and orange juice both contribute acidity to balance the sugar.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, its sweet and savory profile is generally a hit with both children and adults.