Crockpot Mu Shu Chicken Wraps
Crockpot Mu Shu Chicken Wraps Recipe from China | Easy and Flavorful
Introduction
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a light and healthy meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy napa cabbage, and savory hoisin sauce all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The best part is that it can be easily made in a slow cooker, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
History
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps are a popular Chinese dish that originated in northern China. Traditionally, Mu Shu dishes are made with pork, but this recipe puts a twist on the classic by using chicken instead. The dish is typically served with Mandarin pancakes, but in this recipe, we use tortillas for a more convenient and accessible option.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 lb (907 g) skinned and boned chicken thighs
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp rice wine
- 0.25 tsp ground ginger
- 8 (6 inches) flour tortillas
- 3 cup shredded napa cabbage
- 0.5 cup thinly sliced green onions
How to prepare
- Place diced onion in a 3 or 4 qt (3.78 liter) slow cooker.
- Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove skillet from heat, and place chicken on top of onion in slow cooker.
- Whisk together hoisin sauce and the next 4 ingredients, then pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 hours.
- Shred chicken in the cooker with a fork.
- Top each tortilla evenly with cabbage, chicken, and green onions.
- Fold the bottom edge of each tortilla to hold the filling, roll the tortillas crosswise, and if desired, secure with toothpicks or wrap in parchment paper.
Variations
- Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different protein options such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or sweet and sour for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt, pepper, or ginger.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Serve the Mu Shu Chicken Wraps with additional hoisin sauce or soy sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mu Shu Chicken Wraps with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Slow cooking the chicken allows it to become tender and flavorful, making it easy to shred and incorporate into the wraps.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have napa cabbage, you can use regular cabbage or coleslaw mix as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the wraps.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Mu Shu Chicken Wraps on a platter with a garnish of sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Mu Shu Chicken Wraps with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Mu Shu Chicken Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the wraps for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Mu Shu Chicken Wraps contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Mu Shu Chicken Wraps contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Mu Shu Chicken Wraps contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Mu Shu Chicken Wraps contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens due to the soy sauce and tortillas used.
Summary
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious option for a meal.
Summary
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps are a delicious and convenient meal option that can be easily made in a slow cooker. With tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and savory hoisin sauce, these wraps are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful dish for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was crisp. I had just come back from a trip to Chinatown in San Francisco, where I had indulged in all sorts of amazing dishes. One dish in particular stood out to me - Mu Shu Chicken. It was a flavorful combination of shredded chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. I knew I had to learn how to make it at home.
I asked around and a kind old woman at a local market told me about a family recipe for Crockpot Mu Shu Chicken Wraps. She said it was passed down through generations and was a well-guarded secret. But she saw the twinkle in my eye and decided to share it with me.
She gave me a list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish. I was thrilled and couldn't wait to try it out. I rushed home, gathered all the ingredients, and set to work in my kitchen. The aroma of the spices filled the air, and I knew I was onto something special.
As the chicken slowly cooked in the crockpot, I prepared the vegetables and sauce. The sauce was a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic - a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. I sautéed the vegetables until they were tender and fragrant, adding a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
Finally, it was time to assemble the wraps. I spooned the chicken and vegetables onto a warm tortilla, drizzled the sauce on top, and rolled it up tightly. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender chicken, the crunchy vegetables, the flavorful sauce...it was like a symphony in my mouth.
I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious in my own kitchen. From that day on, Crockpot Mu Shu Chicken Wraps became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and just for myself when I needed a comforting meal.
Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. But the core of the recipe remains the same - tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a delicious sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
I've shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Crockpot Mu Shu Chicken Wraps. It warms my heart to see others enjoying the dish as much as I do, creating memories around the dinner table just like I did that chilly autumn day.
As I reflect on the journey of discovering this recipe, I am grateful for the kind old woman who shared her family secret with me. It's a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories. And for that, I will always be thankful.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Napa Cabbage Recipes | Onion Recipes | Tortilla Recipes |