Name: Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional for heat); 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced

If you love comfort food that wraps you in warmth and flavor, you’re going to adore this Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken soaked in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, all infused with the nutty goodness of sesame. The slow cooker does all the hard work while filling your home with aromas that promise a delicious meal ahead. Whether you’re craving a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this Crockpot Sesame Chicken is an absolute winner, combining simplicity, flavor, and that irreplaceable home-cooked feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, making the dish come alive with layers of taste and texture. They are simple, but essential — each one adding sweetness, umami, or crunch that makes this Crockpot Sesame Chicken truly irresistible.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut; thighs stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Soy sauce: Brings savory depth with authentic Asian flavor.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce perfectly.
Sesame oil: Gives that signature nutty aroma that defines the dish.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the overall complexity and warmth.
Rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle acidity to cut through the richness.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds zest and brightness to every bite.
Chili flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy kick.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds provide a delightful crunch and extra sesame flavor.
Green onions: Freshly sliced for color and a mild onion bite on top.

How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

The heart of the Crockpot Sesame Chicken is its sauce. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes if you want that little zing. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy, which is essential for that craveable flavor.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Crockpot

Place your chicken pieces into the slow cooker evenly. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. The slow cooker’s gentle heat allows the chicken to soak in all those delicious flavors while becoming incredibly tender, turning the sauce into a rich glaze.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Set your crockpot on low and let the magic happen for about 4-5 hours. This low and slow cooking method ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs every drop of that savory-sweet sauce. It’s really what makes this recipe hands-off and foolproof.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Turn the heat to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce is glossy and clings beautifully to the chicken pieces.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over the top for a finishing touch that adds both crunch and vibrant color. This final step instantly elevates the dish visually and texturally.

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

To make your Crockpot Sesame Chicken pop, I love using a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Freshly sliced green onions add a lovely bright contrast that wakes up the dish. You can even add a few red chili flakes or thin slices of fresh chili for some heat and color.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a fresh, crisp contrast. For a fun twist, try it over cauliflower rice for a lighter, veggie-packed option.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve the Crockpot Sesame Chicken in a crisp lettuce cup for a refreshing bite. You can also toss the cooked chicken with noodles to turn it into a tantalizing sesame noodle bowl. Leftovers can be shredded and used in crispy spring rolls or even a hearty sandwich for a new take on the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Crockpot Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it rests, making it even better the next day. Just keep the sauce thick and the chicken moist by reheating gently.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Crockpot Sesame Chicken will stay good for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option when you want something quick but flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave on medium power so the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn’t dry out. You might want to add a splash of water or a little more sesame oil when warming to keep everything luscious and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will require longer cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Just add more chili flakes to the sauce or include some fresh chopped chili peppers. You can adjust the heat level to your liking without overpowering the dish.

Can I substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free version?

Definitely. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives that provide a similar savory umami flavor as soy sauce without compromising taste.

What cut of chicken works best in the crockpot?

Chicken thighs are my personal favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. However, boneless skinless chicken breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce. Cooking time will stay the same, but double-check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about coming home to the inviting aroma of Crockpot Sesame Chicken simmering away, and with this recipe, you get all the flavor without any stress. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive for guests. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to meals that fills your kitchen and heart with joy every time.

Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare tender, flavorful chicken coated in a rich sesame sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, and is served best over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, you get delicious, restaurant-style sesame chicken right at home.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a slightly crispy texture once cooked.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sriracha if using. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Combine in Crockpot: Place the coated chicken pieces into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture on top. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot. Turn the heat to HIGH and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
Serve: Spoon the sesame chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, you can add the cornstarch slurry earlier but watch closely to prevent over-thickening.
Chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
Adjust sriracha quantity to control the heat level or omit for a mild dish.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.