Step 1: Brown the meat - Start by browning the ground chicken or pork in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and make sure it is fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. This step keeps the final dish from getting oily and adds extra flavor.
Step 2: Add the base ingredients to the slow cooker - Transfer the cooked meat to your slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, coleslaw mix, and shredded carrots. Give it a gentle stir so everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Mix the sauce - In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flake. Take a second to smell it. That aroma tells you good things are coming.
Step 4: Combine and stir - Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the sauce coats all the meat and vegetables. Make sure nothing is stuck to the sides.
Step 5: Cook low and slow - Cover and cook on low for four to six hours. The vegetables will soften, the flavors will meld, and your kitchen will smell incredible. Stir once halfway through if you can, but it is not required.
Step 6: Garnish and serve - Once cooked, give everything a final stir. Spoon into bowls and top with sliced green onions, crunchy wonton strips, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce if you like. Serve hot and enjoy every bite.