Crockpot sesame chicken recipe consists tender chicken is simmered in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger, creating a rich, sticky glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds and served over fluffy rice or crisp veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work while you focus on other tasks.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are universally appealing, and it pairs well with various sides.
- Meal Prep Hero: Easy to make in bulk and store for future meals.
- Customizable: Adaptable to dietary needs and ingredient availability.
Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Sesame Chicken Success
- Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor: While chicken breasts work well, thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving in the slow-cooking process.
- Thickening the Sauce: For a luscious, glossy sauce, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, and add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Toast Your Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty depth to the dish. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and aromatic.
- Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a signature, authentic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Low-Sugar: Use less honey or substitute with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty variation.
- Instant Pot Version: For a quicker option, use the Instant Pot. Pressure cook the chicken and sauce on high for 8 minutes, then thicken the sauce as needed.
How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked soba or lo mein noodles.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
- As a Bowl: Pair with roasted veggies, a soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of green onions for an Instagram-worthy meal.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Allow the sesame chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the crockpot can result in uneven textures.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) is the easiest way to thicken the sauce. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweet and savory flavors are generally a hit with kids. You can omit any spicy elements for a milder version.
What sides pair well with sesame chicken?
Steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a simple cucumber salad complement the dish beautifully.
Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Crockpot Sesame Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts who love a rich, savory, and slightly sweet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Cooked brown or white rice, sesame seeds, and green onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Add chicken to your slow cooker.
- Whisk soy sauce, ketchup, honey, sesame oil, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Pour over chicken.
- Low for 3-4 hours (breasts) or 4-6 hours (thighs)
High for 1½-2½ hours (breasts) or 2-4 hours (thighs). - Remove chicken to rest. Stir together cornstarch and water, add to slow cooker, and cook on high for 10-20 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Shred chicken, return to the sauce, and serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 443Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 776mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 55g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Sesame Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a mealtime solution that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re entertaining guests, feeding a family, or stocking up your freezer, this dish delivers every time. Try it out and see why it’s a favorite in households everywhere! Don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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