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 Weeknight Wonder: Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cookers. They're my secret weapon for creating flavorful, nutritious meals with minimal effort. This Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a perfect example – a vibrant, satisfying dish that requires almost no active cooking time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The chicken cooks low and slow in a flavorful sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat that's infused with the deliciousness of soy sauce, honey, and ginger. The addition of crunchy cashews and vibrant bell peppers adds a delightful textural and visual contrast. The spice level is easily customizable; I prefer a moderate kick, but you can adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking. It's a dish that's both impressive and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. It's equally delicious served over fluffy rice, quinoa, or even zoodles for a lighter option. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch throughout the week, making my meal prep significantly easier. This allows me to focus on other aspects of my life, knowing that I've got a healthy and tasty dinner waiting for me.
Beyond the Recipe: The Power of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking isn't just about convenience; it's about maximizing flavor. The low and slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Plus, it's incredibly forgiving. If you're a little off on the timing or forget to add an ingredient, it's not likely to ruin the dish. This makes it perfect for those of us who sometimes juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
I often use my slow cooker for everything from hearty stews and chili to tender pulled pork and flavorful chicken dishes. It's a versatile tool that’s become indispensable in my kitchen. It allows me to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. And for a busy mom like me, that’s priceless.
Tips and Variations
While this recipe is already incredibly simple, there are a few tweaks you can make to customize it to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli florets, snow peas, or sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. If you don't have cashews, you can substitute peanuts or even leave them out altogether.
For a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or use a spicier variety of chili peppers. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. You can also adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness.
Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces. Always check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
This Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, healthy cooking. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into even the busiest of lives. So, next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful dinner, reach for your slow cooker and give this recipe a try. You won't regret it!
Beyond the Kitchen: Finding Balance
This recipe represents something much bigger for me than just a tasty dinner. It embodies the balance I strive for in my life. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, I can still find time to nurture myself and my family with wholesome, delicious food. Cooking, especially slow cooking, has become a form of self-care for me. It’s a time to unwind, to be creative, and to connect with my family around a shared meal.
The joy of creating something delicious and nourishing from simple ingredients is incredibly satisfying. It’s a feeling that transcends the mundane aspects of daily life and allows me to appreciate the smaller moments of joy. And in the end, isn’t that what truly matters? Finding those little pockets of peace and contentment amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, and sharing them with the people you love.
