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Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot sesame chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy sesame chicken, freezer-friendly sesame chicken, Asian chicken recipe