Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

If you’re craving an easy, delicious dinner that practically makes itself, you’re going to fall in love with this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe. Perfect for busy nights, this flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sesame sauce, creating mouthwatering results without hours spent in the kitchen. Simple ingredients, slow cooker magic, and a taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—welcome to your new weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in your crock pot and walk away—no constant stirring or babysitting required.
• Flavor-Packed: The balance of sweet, savory, and nutty sesame flavors delivers an irresistible combo every time.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Prep in minutes and come home to a comforting, homemade meal that feels special without the stress.
• Family Friendly: Mild on the spice, this dish pleases kids and adults alike with its familiar but exciting flavors.
• Great Leftovers: Cooks up well ahead of time and tastes even better the next day, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully for texture, color, and incredible flavor. Each item plays a crucial role in building the dish’s classic, comforting profile.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless for easy shredding and juicy, tender meat.
• Soy sauce: Delivers the umami base that gives the sauce its rich, savory backbone.
• Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness, balancing salty and nutty notes perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses bright, aromatic flavor throughout the chicken.
• Ginger: Fresh or ground ginger brings a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
• Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that lightens and sharpens the sauce.
• Sesame oil: Essential for that authentic nutty sesame flavor and inviting aroma.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy, luscious coating.
• Green onions: For freshness, color, and an extra mild onion crunch as garnish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top to deliver nuttiness and appealing texture contrast.

Variations for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Feel free to personalize this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary preferences—it’s surprisingly easy to adapt the flavor or ingredients without losing that signature appeal.

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Use different protein: Swap chicken for turkey breast or tofu to change things up and experiment with textures.
• Gluten-free version: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a safe, gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetable boost: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers right before serving for color and crunch.
• Brown sugar substitute: Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if you want a slightly different sweetness profile.

How to Make Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner result. Place the chicken evenly into the slow cooker base to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in your crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and soak up all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to the sauce. Let it cook uncovered until thickened, then return the shredded or chopped chicken to the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a final burst of freshness and crunch. Serve hot over rice or your favorite noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

• Use dark meat options: Thighs tend to stay moister and more flavorful in slow cooking compared to breasts.
• Don’t skip the thickening step: The cornstarch glaze transforms the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to every bite.
• Toast sesame seeds fresh: Heating them in a dry pan just before serving intensifies their nutty aroma.
• Prep the night before: Combine sauce ingredients and chicken in the crock pot insert, refrigerate overnight, then cook fresh the next day.
• Keep the lid closed: Avoid lifting the slow cooker too often or the heat will escape, stretching cooking time.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add crunch and vibrant color to your Crock Pot Sesame Chicken. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also wake things up nicely if you like heat.

Side Dishes

Serve this flavorful chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a traditional pairing. Alternatively, jasmine rice, quinoa, or egg noodles work wonderfully here. Lightly steamed snap peas, roasted broccoli, or sautéed cabbage provide crisp vegetables alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crock Pot Sesame Chicken wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option. You can also pile it onto bao buns or serve it as a glaze for roasted vegetables to mix up your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Crock Pot Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making for even tastier lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low in a covered pan or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce moist. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in Crock Pot Sesame Chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it overnight first to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

Hard vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can be added early; delicate veggies like broccoli are best added near the end to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or brown sugar works well as natural sweet substitutes without changing the dish’s overall flavor much.

How do I get the sauce thick without cornstarch?

Reduce the sauce by cooking it uncovered on high after removing chicken, or use arrowroot powder as a cornstarch alternative.

Final Thoughts

This easy Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a true game-changer for weeknight dinners, combining convenience, flavor, and versatility into one happy pot. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be wondering how you ever managed without this simple, delicious recipe in your cooking repertoire!

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