Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with an Asian Flair

Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with an Asian Flair

Recipe: Slow Cooker Oriental Chicken Thighs and Steamed Rice

• Yield: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 4 hours 25 minutes total, 15 minutes active

Ingredients (11)

• 1 cup reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• Finely grated zest of 1 orange
• 2 star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 6 large skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/3 cup dry sherry
• Steamed rice, for serving

Enrichment Data

This recipe combines tamari (or soy sauce), fresh ginger, orange zest, brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and sherry to create a flavorful cooking and basting medium for chicken thighs on the bone in a slow cooker, making it both a cooking and a flavoring medium. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, and it pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Instructions

1. In the crock of a slow cooker, mix together the tamari or soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, orange zest, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Add the chicken, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is soft and nearly falling off the bone.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a warmed serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and set aside.
3. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high. Whisk together the cornstarch and sherry in a small bowl until smooth. Immediately add this slurry to the cooking liquid and bring to a boil. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, about 8 minutes.
4. Pour some of the sauce over the chicken on the serving platter, and transfer the rest to a small serving bowl for the table. Serve with steamed rice, and enjoy!

Optional Enrichment

• Add 2 chopped bell peppers, 1 chopped onion, and 2 chopped carrots to the slow cooker with the chicken.
• Thicken the sauce with a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water before adding it to the saucepan.
• Adjust the ingredients to give it a personal twist by adding your preferred spices or sauces.

1. The Slow Cooker Oriental Chicken Thighs recipe uses tamari (or soy sauce) and fresh ginger, both key components that contribute to the incredible nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
2. Pairing the slow cooker chicken thighs with steamed rice not only makes for a filling meal but also complements the Oriental flavor profile of the recipe.
3. For those conscious about their dietary choices, this recipe can be easily adjusted by substituting low-sodium ingredients, such as reduced-sodium tamari or low-sodium chicken broth, making it a health-conscious option for nutrition-conscious individuals.

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