21 Easy Crockpot Chinese Recipes for Busy Nights

Busy weeknights don’t have to mean sacrificing tasty meals. These easy crockpot Chinese recipes offer simple, flavorful options that fit seamlessly into your hectic schedule. Just toss in your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you focus on other things. Dinner will be ready when you are!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey garlic chicken thighs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a family favorite. This dish is simple and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The chicken thighs become tender and juicy as they slow cook in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s packed with flavor.

The best part? You can toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. Serve these chicken thighs over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Combine in the Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
4. Serve: Once done, garnish with sliced green onions and serve over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

The combination of sweet fruit and a savory sauce makes this dish a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and a trusty crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you tackle your evening activities.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to create the sweet and sour sauce.
2. Place the cubed chicken in the crockpot, followed by the diced bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy your effortless, flavorful meal!

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect dish for a busy night. It combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli and a savory sauce, delivering a satisfying meal in no time. The flavors are bold yet comforting, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You can toss everything into your crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or take care of other tasks. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced thinly
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until well combined.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place the sliced beef at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the beef, and then add the broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper on top.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds before enjoying.

Teriyaki Pork Chops

Teriyaki pork chops are a fantastic choice for a busy night. They combine tender, juicy pork with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that brings out the best flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner.

With minimal prep time and a crockpot doing most of the work, you can come home to a warm, satisfying meal. Serve these pork chops over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete and enjoyable dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Set Up the Crockpot: Place the pork chops in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
4. Finish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the pork chops and garnish with chopped green onions.
5. Enjoy: Serve your teriyaki pork chops over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a delicious meal.

Kung Pao Shrimp

Kung Pao Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with crisp vegetables and a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying. This dish balances the sweetness of bell peppers with the heat of Szechuan peppercorns, all tied together with a rich sauce that brings it to life.

Making Kung Pao Shrimp in a crockpot is incredibly simple. Just toss your ingredients in, let them cook, and enjoy a flavorful meal without the fuss. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit special but doesn’t take much time to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, until the shrimp are cooked through and tender.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and extra peanuts if desired.

Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is a wonderfully savory dish that brings Asian flavors right to your dining table. It’s known for its tender chunks of beef coated in a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that perfectly complements steamed rice or noodles. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of Mongolian Beef lies in its rich flavor profile, which comes from a delightful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day, making dinner a breeze. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced flank steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thicken the Sauce: After marinating, toss the beef with cornstarch to coat lightly. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
3. Add to Crockpot: Place the coated beef in the crockpot and pour the marinade over it. Add the water and stir to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Finish: Stir in sliced green onions just before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.

Szechuan Beef

Szechuan Beef is a spicy and savory dish that brings a delightful kick to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy nights, as it cooks effortlessly in a crockpot, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and less time in the kitchen. With tender beef chunks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The combination of Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and chili paste creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that balances heat and umami. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep work. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove and place into the crockpot.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and onion, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, chili paste, Szechuan peppercorns, and beef broth, bringing to a simmer.
3. Pour the sauce over the beef in the crockpot. Add sliced bell pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
5. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Chinese Five-Spice Chicken

Chinese Five-Spice Chicken is a delightful dish that combines fragrant spices to create a mouthwatering experience. The blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. You can simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you focus on other tasks.

This easy recipe is a great way to bring Asian-inspired cuisine to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken becomes tender and infused with the flavorful spices, creating a dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the chopped bell pepper.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve: Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a fragrant and spicy dish that hails from Sichuan cuisine. It combines silken tofu with ground meat in a rich, spicy sauce, creating a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is perfect for busy nights.

Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also packs a punch with its bold flavors. The heat from the Sichuan peppercorns and the warmth of the chili paste make it a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork or beef
• 1 block (14 oz) silken tofu, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in your crockpot on the sauté setting. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, doubanjiang, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir to combine.
3. Gently add the tofu cubes and broth into the pot. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the tofu.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
5. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a delightful dish that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your table. It’s perfect for busy nights, as it requires minimal hands-on time while the slow cooker does all the work. This recipe combines tender chicken with a vibrant orange sauce, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

The taste is a wonderful mix of citrus and a hint of spice, creating a comforting meal that pairs well with rice or noodles. Plus, it’s simple to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Shred the chicken in the sauce and garnish with green onions before serving over rice or noodles.

Lemon Ginger Chicken

Lemon Ginger Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the warm spice of ginger. This recipe is simple to make, making it a great choice for busy nights. The chicken becomes tender and infused with flavor as it cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner prepares itself.

The balance of zesty lemon and aromatic ginger creates a comforting yet refreshing flavor profile that works well with rice or steamed veggies. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little taste of Chinese cuisine into your home without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, lemon juice, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Top with Lemon: Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken for added flavor and presentation.
4. Add Vegetables: If using, add broccoli florets around the chicken.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve: Shred the chicken if desired, and serve it warm over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.

Spicy Garlic Eggplant

Spicy Garlic Eggplant is a fantastic dish that packs a punch with its bold flavors and tender texture. The combination of garlic, spices, and the natural sweetness of eggplant creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!

This dish is both hearty and adaptable. Serve it over rice, pair it with noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option. The spicy kick is balanced by the savory sauce, making it a favorite for those who love flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine.

Cantonese Roast Duck

Cantonese Roast Duck is a mouthwatering dish that brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table. It features tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin, all bathed in a savory sauce that perfectly balances sweet and salty notes. Making this dish in a crockpot is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal than preparing it.

This recipe is not only simple but also great for busy nights when you want a delicious homemade meal without much fuss. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to whip up.

Ingredients

• 4 duck breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, five-spice powder, and black pepper until combined.
2. Marinate the Duck: Place the duck breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
3. Cook in the Crockpot: Transfer the marinated duck breasts to the crockpot, including all the marinade. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the duck is tender.
4. Serve: Slice the duck and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the crockpot. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Moo Shu Pork

Moo Shu Pork is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table with minimal effort. This recipe features tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, all cooked together in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy nights. The combination of mushrooms, cabbage, and a hint of soy sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor that’s sure to please everyone.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also super easy to prepare. Simply toss all your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and let it do the work while you tackle your day. Serve it with warm pancakes or rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels special without all the fuss of traditional cooking methods.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• Pancakes or rice for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, crack the eggs directly into the crockpot and stir gently to scramble them into the mixture.
5. Once cooked, serve the Moo Shu Pork with warm pancakes or over rice, garnished with sliced green onions.

Honey Soy Chicken Wings

Honey soy chicken wings are a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of Asian cuisine to your dinner table. The sweet and savory glaze combines honey and soy sauce, making each bite a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the work.

These wings are not only tasty but also versatile. They can be served as a main dish over rice or noodles, or as a finger food for game night. The sticky glaze is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a comforting meal with little fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Coat the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the wings are fully cooked and tender.
4. Serve: Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Beef and Vegetable Dumplings

Beef and vegetable dumplings are a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights. They combine tender beef chunks with fresh vegetables, all enveloped in fluffy dumpling dough. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.

This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for anyone short on time but still wanting a delicious homemade dinner. Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day!

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a crockpot, add the beef stew meat, mixed vegetables, onion, beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger. Stir to combine.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
3. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
4. Add Dumplings: About 30 minutes before serving, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the beef mixture. Cover and continue cooking until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve: Once the dumplings are fluffy and the beef is tender, ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Braised Soy Sauce Chicken

Braising soy sauce chicken in the crockpot is a delightful way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish features juicy pieces of chicken bathed in a rich, savory soy sauce blend that brings a wonderful umami taste to the table. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting yet simple to prepare.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless preparation. Just toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The result is a savory, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired and serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions.