Crockpot Sesame Chicken

The tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory sauce caramelizing around tender chunks of chicken is just the beginning of what makes Crockpot Sesame Chicken so irresistible. This Asian-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. The sticky, glossy sauce with its perfect balance of honey, soy, and toasted sesame notes creates a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re a busy parent or meal-prep enthusiast, Crockpot Sesame Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. You’ll learn how to create this foolproof dish with minimal effort while achieving maximum flavor that rivals your favorite takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have time for elaborate cooking. The magic happens as your slow cooker transforms ordinary chicken into melt-in-your-mouth tender morsels that absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce.

The textural contrasts make this dish truly special – juicy chicken pieces coated in a thick, glossy sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds and crisp green onions. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that dance on your palate.

What’s more, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time – just 15 minutes of prep before your crockpot takes over. The convenience factor is unmatched, as the slow cooking process allows you to set it in the morning and return to a ready-to-serve meal. The intoxicating aroma that fills your home is simply a bonus to the incredible taste experience waiting for you.

Ingredients

For perfect Crockpot Sesame Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (18g) sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 green onions, sliced diagonally

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to remain tender during slow cooking. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates that signature sweet-savory base, while sesame oil adds the distinctive nutty flavor that defines this dish. Fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth that dried substitutes simply can’t match.

Pro Tips

Choose the right chicken: While chicken breasts can be used, thighs will give you a more tender, juicy result in your Crockpot Sesame Chicken. The higher fat content prevents them from drying out during the long cooking process. If you do use breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes and check for doneness.

Perfect the sauce consistency: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for transforming the thin cooking liquid into that glossy, restaurant-style sauce. For best results, always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to your hot sauce, and then allow it to simmer for at least 10-15 minutes afterward. This ensures proper thickening without any chalky taste or lumps.

Layer your flavors: For exceptional depth, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before using them as garnish. This quick step (2-3 minutes on medium heat) dramatically enhances their nutty flavor. Additionally, add half your green onions during the final 30 minutes of cooking and reserve the rest for garnish to create layers of both cooked and fresh onion flavors.

Instructions

Step 1
Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then cut them into 1-inch pieces. This uniform size ensures even cooking and perfect sauce coverage for your Crockpot Sesame Chicken. Transfer the chicken pieces directly to your slow cooker insert.

Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and glossy. Pour this sauce over the chicken pieces, then gently toss to ensure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 3
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.

Step 4
When the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Set your slow cooker to high (if it isn’t already), add the cornstarch slurry, and stir well to incorporate it into the sauce. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Step 5
Just before serving your Crockpot Sesame Chicken, stir in half of the toasted sesame seeds and green onions. This allows some of them to soften slightly and infuse their flavor into the dish. Reserve the remaining seeds and onions for garnish. Serve your chicken over steamed rice, garnish with the remaining sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy the incredible flavor you’ve created with minimal effort!

Variations

Spicy Sesame Chicken: Transform your Crockpot Sesame Chicken into a fiery delight by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or gochujang paste to the sauce mixture. The heat balances beautifully with the sweet honey and adds an exciting dimension to the dish. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños for those who want an extra kick.

Pineapple Sesame Chicken: For a tropical twist, add 1 cup of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The natural sweetness and acidity of pineapple bring brightness to the rich sauce. You can also substitute half of the honey with pineapple juice for a more pronounced tropical flavor profile.

Vegetarian Alternative: Create a plant-based version by substituting the chicken with 2 pounds of extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh. Since these proteins don’t need the same tenderizing effect of slow cooking, prepare the sauce in the crockpot first, then add the tofu or tempeh during the last 30-45 minutes, just long enough to absorb the flavors without falling apart.

Storage and Serving

Crockpot Sesame Chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making day-two leftovers especially delicious. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Serve this versatile dish over fluffy jasmine rice for a classic presentation, or try these creative serving options:

• Spoon over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative
• Use as filling for lettuce wraps with crisp butter lettuce leaves and julienned vegetables
• Serve alongside steamed broccoli that perfectly catches the delicious sauce in its florets

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted, but they tend to dry out more easily. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-60 minutes and check for doneness earlier.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce needs additional thickening, make another cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add it to the hot mixture, cook on high for 10-15 more minutes, and stir occasionally.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can either prepare all ingredients the night before (store sauce and chicken separately in the refrigerator), or cook the dish completely and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day.

Is there a substitute for honey in this recipe?
Brown sugar or maple syrup can replace honey in equal amounts. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but both work well with the other ingredients in Crockpot Sesame Chicken.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Add hearty vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time. For more delicate vegetables like snow peas or bean sprouts, add them during the final 10 minutes to maintain their texture.

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