Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender chicken is cooked in a savory sesame sauce and served over rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Cooked brown or white rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1½–2½ hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F. If using thighs, cook slightly longer—4–6 hours on low or 2–4 hours on high.
4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a bowl or cutting board and let it rest briefly.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for 10–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
• Add extra garlic or a splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
• Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Storage

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this sesame chicken?

Yes, you can freeze cooked sesame chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with sesame chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Adding a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables complements the flavors nicely.

Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

Delicious and easy Crockpot Sesame Chicken made with tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a flavorful sesame-soy sauce, thickened to perfection, and served over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours depending on chicken cut and heat setting
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening Mixture

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For Serving

• Cooked brown or white rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook Until Tender: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1½ to 2½ hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If using chicken thighs, cook slightly longer—4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 4 hours on high—to ensure tenderness.
4. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl or cutting board and let it rest briefly to allow the juices to settle.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the cooking juices. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
6. Shred and Return: Shred the rested chicken using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to coat all the chicken in the thickened sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the saucy sesame chicken over cooked brown or white rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish before serving.

Notes

• Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; add them for a bit of heat.
• Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful but take slightly longer to cook than breasts.
• If you prefer thicker sauce, let it cook longer after adding the cornstarch slurry.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, slow cooker sesame chicken, easy chicken dinner, honey sesame chicken, weeknight crockpot recipe