Best Asian Garlic Black Bean Chicken Crock Potslow Cooker Recipes

Crockpot or slow cooker recipes are the perfect solution for those who have busy schedules but want to enjoy wholesome and flavorful meals at home. One such recipe is the Asian garlic black bean chicken crock pot recipe, which is a popular dish that has its roots in Asian cuisine. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and methods involved in making this dish, along with some tips for making it even more delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

The ingredients required for making the Asian garlic black bean chicken crock pot recipe are easy to find and readily available. Some of the essential ingredients are as follows:

1. Chicken

As the name suggests, chicken is the main ingredient in this recipe. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference.

2. Garlic

Garlic is another essential ingredient that adds flavor to this recipe. You can use fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic.

3. Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce is a thick and savory sauce made from fermented black beans. It is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it adds umami flavor to the dish.

4. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Asian cuisine, and it adds saltiness and depth of flavor to this dish.

5. Honey

Honey adds sweetness to this recipe, which balances out the saltiness of soy sauce and the sharpness of garlic.

6. Ginger

Ginger is optional but critical as it adds a lovely zing to this recipe. Freshly grated ginger is preferable, but you can also use powdered ginger if you don't have fresh ginger.

Method

Here are the steps you need to follow to make the Asian garlic black bean chicken crockpot recipe:

1. Prepare the chicken

Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

2. Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the black bean sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using).

3. Add chicken and sauce to the crock pot

Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it. Gently stir so that the sauce coats the chicken evenly.

4. Cook for 4-6 hours

Set the crockpot on low and cook the chicken for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Thicken the sauce (optional)

If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the crockpot and stir well. Cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.

6. Garnish and serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tips

Here are some tips to make the Asian garlic black bean chicken crockpot recipe even more delicious:

1. Marinate the chicken

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking it in the crockpot.

2. Add veggies

You can make this recipe even healthier by adding vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the crockpot.

3. Use low sodium soy sauce and black bean sauce

To reduce the sodium content of this recipe, use low sodium soy sauce and black bean sauce.

4. Use a liner

Using a crockpot liner makes cleanup a breeze and also prevents the chicken from sticking to the crockpot.

5. Adjust seasoning

Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can add more honey if you like it sweeter, or more soy sauce if you want it saltier.

Conclusion

The Asian garlic black bean chicken crockpot recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for busy weekdays. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Asian cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

1. Choosing the right ingredients When making Asian garlic black bean chicken in a slow cooker, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients. Start with fresh chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, and black beans that are not too salty. You'll also need a few vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and bell peppers to add flavor and nutrition to the dish. 2. Preparing the chicken To make the chicken tender and flavorful, marinate it in soy sauce and sesame oil for at least an hour before cooking. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors and ensure that it is not dry or tough when it is finished cooking. 3. Prepping the black bean sauce The black bean sauce is a crucial ingredient in this dish. To make it, mash fermented black beans until they form a small paste before adding other ingredients such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. 4. Sautéing the vegetables To prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy or overcooked, it is important to sauté them first before placing them in the slow cooker. This will help seal in their flavors while also giving them a nice texture. 5. Adding liquid When making this dish, it is important to add enough liquid to keep the chicken and vegetables moist throughout the cooking process. Use chicken broth or water to cover the chicken, and add extra liquid if necessary. 6. Cooking time and temperature Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If you need to speed up the process, cook the chicken on high for 3 to 4 hours. 7. Adjust seasoning Taste the dish towards the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt, sugar, or black bean sauce depending on your preferences. 8. Serving This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!

Tips for cooking with a slow cooker

Clean your slow cooker regularly

To ensure that your slow cooker lasts for a long time, it is important to clean it regularly. Remove any remnants of food and clean the pot with warm, soapy water. Rinse the pot thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

Choose the right cuts of meat

Slow cookers work best with meats that are tough or have a lot of connective tissue. This includes cuts such as beef chuck roast, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs.

Sauté vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker

Sautéing your vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker can help seal in their flavors and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Cut food into evenly sized pieces

Chop your meats and vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure that they cook evenly. This will also make it easier to eat and serve the dish.

Add liquid to keep food moist

Adding liquid to your slow cooker is crucial to ensuring that your food stays moist and tender. Use chicken or beef broth, water, or other liquids as needed.

Don't open the slow cooker too often

Opening the slow cooker too often can cause heat to escape, which will slow down the cooking process. Only open the slow cooker when necessary, such as when adding ingredients or adjusting seasoning.

Adjust seasoning towards the end of the cooking process

Taste your dish towards the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.

Don't overfill the slow cooker

Overfilling the slow cooker can cause the food to cook unevenly and not retain its flavors. It is best to fill the pot two-thirds full to ensure that the food is cooked properly.

Use the right slow cooker size

Choose a slow cooker that is the right size for your needs. If you are cooking for a small family, a 4-quart slow cooker may be sufficient. However, if you are cooking for a large group, a 7- or 8-quart slow cooker may be necessary.

Let food cool before storing it

Allow the food to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent bacteria from growing and help the food retain its flavor.

Experiment with different recipes

There are countless recipes that can be made in a slow cooker, so don't be afraid to experiment! Try different recipes and adjust them to your liking. Soon you'll be a slow cooking pro!