Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
Try this Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- **4 - 6 dried red chili peppers (to taste) found i
- 2/3 cup roasted cashews (or roasted peanuts)
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini chopped into halves
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 - 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 piece cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2-3 tablespoons water (plus more as needed to thin out consistency
- Carbohydrate 14.2771152124593 g
- Cholesterol 0.24 mg
- Fat 0.404332916690336 g
- Fiber 1.15306767777188 g
- Protein 3.68112656499792 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0598354166692703 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (106g)
- Sodium 1696.43223049 mg
- Sugar 13.1240475346875 g
- Trans Fat 0.0848504166732942 g
- Calories 72 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large zip-top bag, toss in chicken, salt and black pepper. Shake until well-coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Skip this step if in a pinch and add chicken directly to the slow cooker.
- Transfer chicken into slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger and red pepper chili flakes and pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 - 4 hours or HIGH for 1.5 - 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the slow cooker.
- Add the dried red chili peppers, red bell peppers, zucchini and cashews.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened up. (Add more water to thin out sauce to your preferred consistency).
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions and serve over rice, quinoa or zoodles, if desired.
My Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of homework, soccer practice, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to let dinner become a sad affair of takeout or frozen meals. That's why I've become obsessed with slow cookers. They’re my secret weapon in the battle against weeknight dinner stress, and this Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken is a prime example of why.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about flavor and health. I love the vibrant, slightly spicy kick of Kung Pao, but traditional recipes can be heavy on the oil and sodium. This adapted version allows me to indulge in my cravings without sacrificing my wellness goals. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while I attend to the other demands of my day. I often prep the chicken and sauce in the morning before heading to work, giving the slow cooker ample time to work its magic.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the vegetables according to your preferences or what’s on hand. Broccoli, carrots, or snow peas would all work wonderfully. I've even experimented with adding some cooked chicken sausage for extra protein. The cashews provide a delightful crunch, but peanuts are a great substitute if that's what you have on hand. The most important thing is to experiment and have fun with it!
One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. It’s equally delicious served over rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. This saves me even more time and energy, which is always a win in my book. It's become a family favorite, and I often receive requests for it well in advance.
The process itself is remarkably simple. Even my teenage son can manage it (with supervision, of course). The slow cooker practically cooks itself, requiring minimal effort. I typically set it on low in the morning and let it simmer while I handle other tasks. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for those days when time is of the essence. The resulting dish is incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It's a dish that never disappoints, a true culinary hero on busy weeknights.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers a sense of accomplishment. It's a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a trusty slow cooker, even the busiest of schedules can accommodate a home-cooked, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. So, if you're looking for a weeknight dinner that's both healthy and delicious, give this Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken a try. You won't regret it.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of dried red chili peppers and chili flakes to control the spiciness to your preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers of different colors.
- Protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and more tender texture. You can also add shrimp or tofu for a variation.
- Nuts: Peanuts are an excellent alternative to cashews. If you have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts entirely.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles. It's also great served with steamed broccoli or a side salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Combine just before putting it in the slow cooker.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine. Happy cooking!
