When the school-year schedule gets hectic, a simple slow cooker dinner can feel like a lifesaver, and this 4-ingredient potsticker supper is exactly the kind of low-effort meal that still tastes like you planned ahead. Using frozen pork potstickers and a few pantry staples, you can put together a cozy, savory dinner with almost no prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and you need something warm waiting at the end of the day.
This dish is great on its own as a light one-pot meal, or you can round it out with steamed broccoli, snap peas, edamame, or a crisp cucumber salad for a little freshness. For a heartier dinner, serve the potstickers over rice or alongside lo mein noodles, and finish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you have them on hand.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Back to School Supper
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 bag (24 to 32 ounces) frozen pork potstickers
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
1. Spray the inside of a slow cooker lightly with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the frozen pork potstickers in an even layer across the bottom.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey until combined.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the potstickers. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the potstickers are heated through and tender. Try not to overcook, since the wrappers can soften quite a bit in the slow cooker.
4. Gently spoon the sauce over the potstickers before serving, then plate them up and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add vegetables: For an easy all-in-one meal, add a couple handfuls of broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay tender-crisp instead of getting too soft.
Make it sweeter or saltier: If your family likes a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon or two of honey. If you want a stronger savory flavor, add a splash more soy sauce, but keep in mind the potstickers already have seasoning inside.
Watch the cook time: Slow cookers can vary a lot, and this is one of those recipes where checking a little early really helps. Once the potstickers are hot and tender, they are ready to serve.
Turn it into a fuller meal: Spoon the potstickers and sauce over cooked rice or noodles to stretch the servings and make it feel more like a complete back-to-school dinner on especially busy nights.