Name: Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup ketchup; ¼ cup honey; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Cooked rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions (for serving)

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Crockpot Sesame Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This simple slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy an Asian-inspired meal with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Simply place the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a deliciously balanced sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a delightful twist.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with boneless chicken and wholesome spices, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this Crockpot Sesame Chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Crockpot Sesame Chicken is straightforward when you have the right tools on hand.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow Cooker
Medium Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Cutting Board

Why These Tools Matter

Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors into the chicken.
Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining the sauce ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: Ensures that all sauce ingredients blend smoothly for even flavor distribution.
Cutting Board: A clean surface to rest your cooked chicken before shredding.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken has tender shredded chicken in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Serve it over rice and topped with sesame seeds. One of the easiest slow cooker recipes!

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
– ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– cooked brown or white rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions (for serving)

How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. low sodium soy sauce
2. ketchup
3. honey
4. sesame oil
5. minced garlic
6. black pepper
7. (optional) pinch of red pepper flakes

Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook:
– On low for 3-4 hours or high for 1½-2½ hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If using boneless chicken thighs, adjust cooking time to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours.

Step 4: Shred and Thicken

Remove the cooked chicken to a clean bowl or cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, mix together:
1. 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2. 1 tablespoon of water

Pour this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for an additional 10-20 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 5: Combine

Shred the rested chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Crockpot Sesame Chicken over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation!

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Over Rice

White Rice: A classic option that absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully.
Brown Rice: Offers a nutty flavor and added fiber for a healthier choice.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that complements the chicken while keeping the dish light.

With Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Adds color and nutrients, balancing the sweetness of the chicken.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavor, making it an excellent side.
Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet and smoky, they enhance the overall taste experience.

Garnished

Chopped Green Onions: Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and flavor.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds offer a delightful crunch and nutty taste.

How to Perfect Crockpot Sesame Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your personal sweetness preference.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times; chicken thighs may require longer than breasts for optimal tenderness.
Thicken Sauce Wisely: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Add Vegetables Early: For extra nutrition, toss in vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Sesame Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Fried Rice: Fluffy rice stir-fried with eggs and vegetables enhances the Asian flavors of the chicken.
Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup that complements the rich sauce of the chicken perfectly.
Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch alongside your meal.
Egg Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in sesame oil make for a hearty base under the chicken.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad with quinoa adds protein and texture while cooling down spicy flavors.
Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp, this salad balances out the richness of the chicken’s sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Sesame Chicken, it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind.

Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They ensure tender and juicy results.
Not measuring the sauce ingredients accurately: Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Use measuring cups for accuracy.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Check your slow cooker settings and follow cooking times closely.
Skipping the cornstarch mixture: This step thickens the sauce, enhancing its texture. Don’t skip it if you want a rich sauce.
Forgetting to garnish before serving: Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add flavor and visual appeal. Always remember to top your dish before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish made with tender shredded chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare using a slow cooker.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use turkey or even lamb if you prefer. The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein used.

How do I customize my Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

How can I serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Serve it over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for a delightful meal that everyone will love!