Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, savory-sweet sesame sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame, making it irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish offers restaurant-style taste without the hassle of frying or standing over the stove.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless, yet yields incredibly flavorful results. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender while the sauce thickens naturally, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. It’s comforting, versatile, and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike love the slightly sticky, glossy sesame coating.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it brings the flavors of Chinese takeout to your home in a healthier, simpler form. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. The convenience of a crockpot means minimal effort with maximum flavor. Each bite has the perfect combination of tender chicken and a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of sesame, making it an unforgettable dish.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on high or 6–7 hours on low
• Total Time: 3–4 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: American / Asian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.
4. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
5. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
6. Return shredded chicken to sauce, stir to coat.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
3. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
6. Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the crockpot sauce. Cover and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
8. Serve: Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions for presentation.
• Serve in meal prep containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; chicken breasts work fine but may be slightly drier.
• Adjust honey or ketchup to taste for a sweeter or tangier sauce.
• For extra flavor, toast sesame seeds before sprinkling on top.
• If sauce is too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken further.

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
• Peanut Sesame Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a creamy variation.
• Vegetable Add-In: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Honey Sesame Chicken: Increase honey to 1/3 cup for a sweeter glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in meal prep containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow cooker
• Medium bowl for sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding chicken
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier during slow cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in the oven or on the stove?
Yes, simmer chicken and sauce in a covered pan on low heat for 45–60 minutes, then shred and thicken sauce.

Q3: How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Tender, juicy chicken combined with a savory-sweet sesame sauce creates a restaurant-style meal without the effort. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, satisfying both comfort food cravings and busy schedules.