Description
🐔 This slow cooker sesame chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the hassle.
🍯 The addition of honey gives this dish a sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the savory sesame, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
3 medium-large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup corn starch for thickening
2 tablespoons oil for browning the chicken
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons corn starch for sauce thickening
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
6 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for topping
4 medium scallions for garnish
Black pepper to taste for seasoning the chicken
Additional water
Instructions
First Step: Chop 3 medium-large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or use 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier results) into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large resealable bag with ⅓ cup corn starch. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly this prep takes about 5 minutes. For vegan swaps, use firm tofu instead, and if going gluten-free, confirm your corn starch; this sets the base for your slow cooker sesame chicken to absorb flavors well.
Second Step: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the coated chicken and sauté for 1-2 minutes to brown the outside without cooking it through. Transfer the chicken to a greased slow cooker this step is quick, about 5 minutes, and helps seal in juices. For low-calorie adaptations, opt for less oil or a non-stick pan, ensuring your slow picker sesame chicken stays light yet tasty from the start.
Third Step: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup cold water and 2 tablespoons corn starch until fully dissolved. Add ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons.nasa sesame oil, 6 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 teaspoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1½ teaspoons sriracha or a energii pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat, whisking until smooth. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F internally this hands-off cooking builds flavor, and for dietary tweaks, adjust soy sauce for gluten-free options in your slow cooker sesame chicken.
Fourth Step: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, leaving the sauce behind, and shred it using two forks this takes about 5 minutes and lets the chicken soak up more sauce later. In a small bowl, mix an additional 2½ tablespoons corn starchstructions with ¼ cup water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. Set to high and cook for 10-20 minutes until thickened, perfect for coating your slow cooker sesame chicken evenly; if adapting for low-calorie needs, use less honey here to keep it balanced.
Fifth Step: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well with the thickened sauce to ensure every piece is covered this final mix takes just a minute. If you’re adding extras like veggies, stir in steamed broccoli now for a heartier meal, adapting the slow cooker sesame chicken to fit vegan or other preferences seamlessly.
Final Step: Serve the slow cooker sesame chicken over cooked rice (brown or white works great), garnished with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 4 medium chopped scallions or green onions for a fresh finish. This makes about 4 servings, ideal for family dinners, and you can adjust portions easily if you’ve made low-calorie changes, pair it with lots of veggies to maximize the meal’s lightness and flavor.
Notes
🌶️ Add sriracha or red pepper flakes sparingly to keep the balance between sweet and spicy.
💧 If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
🍯 Adjust the amount of sesame oil and honey to taste for a perfect flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Serving preparation: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 557 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24.5 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
Keywords: Sesame Chicken, Honey Twist, Slow Cooker, Family Friendly
