Recipe: Slow Cooker Scallion & Ginger Chicken
This recipe produces incredibly tender, “fall-off-the-bone” chicken with a savory, aromatic broth that is perfect over jasmine rice.
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7-8 hours (Low)
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Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
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8-10 Chicken drumsticks (skin on or off, based on preference)
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2 bunches Scallions (green onions), chopped
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2-inch piece Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
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4 cloves Garlic, minced
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1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
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1 tbsp Brown sugar or honey
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1/2 tsp Cracked black pepper
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Optional: Red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
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Layer the Aromatics: Place half of the chopped scallions and all the ginger/garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry. Season them with the black pepper and place them into the slow cooker.
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Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweetener. Pour this over the chicken.
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Top it Off: Add the remaining scallions (as seen in your photo).
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4 hours.
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Finish: Once the chicken is tender, serve it with a drizzle of the cooking juices from the pot.
Notes & Tips
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Searing: For extra flavor and better texture, you can sear the drumsticks in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
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The “No-Liquid” Rule: You’ll notice there isn’t much water or broth added. Don’t worry! The chicken and scallions will release plenty of liquid to create a rich sauce.
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Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbs: 6g
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Sodium: 680mg
Health Benefits
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Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger and garlic are powerhouses for immune support and reducing inflammation.
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High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
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Low Carb: Naturally keto-friendly if you swap the brown sugar for a sugar-free sweetener.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead? A: You can, but breasts dry out much faster in a slow cooker. If using breasts, check them at the 3-hour mark (on High) to ensure they stay juicy.
Q: Do I need to add water or chicken broth? A: No. Adding extra water will dilute the intense flavor of the scallions and soy. The chicken produces its own natural broth.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves the next day!
What side dish are you planning to serve this with? A bit of steamed bok choy or white rice would soak up that sauce beautifully.