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Asian Pulled Chicken Recipe​

Healthy and Flavorful Asian Pulled Chicken

5 from 1 vote
This Asian Pulled Chicken recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect for meal prep, it can be served with rice, in wraps, or in a salad. Whether you choose to use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, it’s a versatile dish that's easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: asian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce optional, for sweetness
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey optional
  • 1/4 cup water if needed for consistency
  • Garnishes: Green onions cilantro, sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot, or Stovetop)
  • Forks for shredding
  • Large mixing bowl (optional, for tossing the shredded chicken)
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken.
  3. Cooking: Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat in a covered pot for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Toss in Sauce: If desired, toss the shredded chicken in any remaining cooking liquid for extra flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the pulled chicken on steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or in bao buns. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Customizations: Adjust the level of sweetness or spice by adding more hoisin sauce, chili flakes, or sriracha.
  • Storage: The shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb meal, serve the pulled chicken in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Asian Pulled Chicken Recipe​