Crock Pot Sesame Chicken (Printable version)
Tender chicken in savory-sweet sesame sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy Asian-inspired dinner.
# What you need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
→ Sauce
02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/3 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
→ Thickener
10 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
11 - 2 tbsp water
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds
13 - 2 green onions, sliced
# How to make it:
01 - Place chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined.
03 - Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
05 - Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
06 - Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir into sauce in slow cooker.
07 - Return chicken to slow cooker, stir to coat, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pairs excellently with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth that tastes like it simmered all day even though you barely lifted a finger
- It's one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers
02 -
- The sauce will seem thin when you first pour it in, but that cornstarch step at the end transforms it completely
- Don't skip the step of removing the chicken before thickening, or you'll end up breaking apart the meat while stirring
03 -
- Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for the easiest cleanup ever
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before sprinkling them on top