Sluggish cooker recipes don’t at all times promise crispness or complexity, however this maple-soy hen delivers each. The magic lies in a double sear, as soon as earlier than cooking the hen to render and caramelize the hen pores and skin earlier than it ever meets the gradual cooker, and once more after cooking to revive that impossible to resist crunch. Between these two moments, the gradual cooker handles the remaining, remodeling humble hen thighs, garlic, ginger, and brussels sprouts right into a deeply flavorful meal that tastes such as you’ve been tending the range for hours.

The gently candy and savory sauce showcases equal elements soy sauce and maple syrup. Because the hen simmers, the greens take in the umami-rich juices, turning into tender and shiny. A fast cornstarch slurry on the finish turns the cooking liquid right into a shiny glaze that adheres to each chunk.

The perfect half? The method is easy, however the outcomes really feel refined. It’s cozy sufficient for a weeknight dinner but elegant sufficient for visitors. Serve it over steamed rice, broccoli, and even noodles, with further sauce spooned over every little thing. The mix of sticky maple glaze, juicy hen, and crisp pores and skin makes this a type of dishes that may earn a spot in your common rotation, and it proves that gradual cooking doesn’t imply sacrificing texture or taste.

Why the double sear?

Browning the hen earlier than gradual cooking provides important depth of taste, whereas the later sear brings again the crisp pores and skin that gradual cooking softens. You possibly can skip the second spherical of searing, however after we did so the check kitchen missed the crispiness of the pores and skin.

Do some other greens in addition to brussels sprouts work?

Sure, any sturdy greens that may face up to lengthy cooking, akin to root greens like onions, carrots, turnips, and winter squash, will work properly right here. Reduce them to roughly the identical measurement because the brussels to make sure even cooking. 

Notes from the Meals & Wine Take a look at Kitchen

• Beginning the ultimate crisping in a chilly pan ensures even warmth and completely rendered golden pores and skin.
• Don’t skip straining the sauce earlier than thickening as this step retains the feel clean.
• Use uniform, massive hen thighs to keep away from dryness and guarantee constant cooking.

Urged pairing

Pair this maple-soy hen with a medium-bodied off-dry Riesling, like Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett (Mosel, Germany, 2021). Its brilliant acidity and stone-fruit sweetness stability the soy’s saltiness and the maple’s caramel notes, whereas its delicate minerality enhances the gingery glaze. If beer’s your decide, attain for a crisp Japanese lager akin to Sapporo Premium for a clean, malty, and refreshing end in opposition to the dish’s wealthy, sweet-savory sauce.

This recipe was developed by Adam Dolge; the textual content was written by Breana Killeen.