Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts (unsalted preferred)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
If you’re short on chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts work well too, though thighs tend to stay juicier in the crockpot. For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. If peanuts are a concern, toasted cashews can make a great substitute and still provide that satisfying crunch.
Instructions
- Start by preparing your chicken thighs—cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving. I like using thighs because they stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker, which reminds me of my grandmother’s advice to never rush good cooking.
- In your crockpot, combine the chicken with diced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These fresh aromatics create a fragrant base that fills the house with warmth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. This sauce blend is where the magic happens—it’s sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, giving everything a good stir to coat evenly. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. The slow cooking really lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Switch the crockpot to high if it’s not already, and let it cook uncovered for those last 15 minutes.
- Just before serving, sprinkle in the dry roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch and garnish with sliced green onions. This finishing touch always feels like the final note in a well-loved family recipe.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Watching my kids dig into this, asking for seconds, reminds me why I started RecipeChic—to share meals that bring joy and connection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International