Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a deliciously easy, slow-cooked dish that brings the sweet and savory flavors of sesame to your dinner table with minimal effort. With tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, this dish is perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

I first made this dish when I needed something simple yet flavorful for dinner, and it quickly became a go-to in my meal rotation. The sauce creates a rich, tangy base that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s both tasty and visually appealing.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice for a complete meal, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a lighter option. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Family gatherings
• Asian-inspired meals
• Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Here’s why this recipe will become a go-to dish:

• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the crock pot results in juicy, fall-apart-tender meat, infused with the savory sesame sauce.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that’s sure to please.
• Minimal Prep Time: This recipe requires very little hands-on time—simply add the ingredients to the crock pot and let it do the work.
• Healthy and Flavorful: While it’s a comfort food dish, you can control the ingredients and make it as healthy as you like by using lower-sodium soy sauce and adding fresh veggies.
• Versatile: This dish can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, and you can easily adjust the flavor by adding more or less honey or soy sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor to the sauce, giving the chicken a distinct and savory taste.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, providing a salty umami flavor that complements the sweetness of honey.
• Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and finish the dish with a burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Place the Chicken in the Crock Pot: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the crock pot, making sure they are spread out evenly.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure the chicken is fully coated.
4. Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it into the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot to thicken it. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.

Serve the Dish:

7. Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the sesame chicken over rice or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
8. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, slow-cooked meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the sesame chicken over steamed jasmine rice, white rice, or brown rice for a filling and hearty meal.
• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for a healthier, balanced dish.
• With Noodles: For a different twist, serve the sesame chicken over noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for an Asian-inspired meal.
• As a Wrap: Use the chicken as a filling for wraps or tortillas, adding some fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfect every time:

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
• Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce to pour over your rice or vegetables, simply double the ingredients for the sauce.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch and water to reach your desired consistency.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Make a batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Crock Pot Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add extra garlic and skip the ginger for a honey garlic version of this dish.
• Crock Pot Spicy Sesame Chicken: Increase the red pepper flakes or add chili paste to spice things up.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or onions directly into the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken with Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist on the classic sesame chicken.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken with Broccoli: Add fresh or frozen broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal in one pot.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken with Cashews: Stir in some roasted cashews before serving for a crunchy texture.
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Sesame Chicken: Swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Crock Pot Orange Sesame Chicken: Add orange juice and zest to the sauce for a citrusy variation.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken with Tofu: Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Crock Pot Sesame Chicken Wraps: Serve the sesame chicken in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked sesame chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Storage: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe to ensure the chicken cooks low and slow for optimal tenderness.
• Whisk: A small whisk helps to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Forks for Shredding: Two forks are the best tools for shredding the chicken easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for the sauce and cornstarch mixture.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers or prepped meals.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs are perfect for slow cooking as they remain juicy and flavorful.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the crock pot. Just make sure to add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is the perfect dinner option for busy days, offering a savory and slightly sweet dish that requires minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures tender chicken, and the sesame sauce is rich in flavor. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family. Simple, flavorful, and comforting, it’s a great go-to for your weekly dinner rotation.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken delivers satisfying, flavorful results every time.

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Sesame Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!