If you’re craving a comforting and irresistibly flavorful dish that practically makes itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Bursting with a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory sesame richness, this recipe transforms humble chicken into a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Using simple pantry staples, it delivers layers of deliciousness and tender chicken that falls apart with the gentlest touch. It’s like having a restaurant-quality meal waiting for you when you walk through the door.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in the most magical way, combining to create a sauce that is both sweet and tangy with rich Asian-inspired flavors. Each component plays a key role not just in taste but also in the texture and vibrant color of the dish, making this recipe a winner every single time.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs will keep the dish juicy and flavorful, though breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce to perfection.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides that essential salty umami note without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings tanginess and color, balancing the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses that distinctive toasted sesame flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of aromatic savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Gives a hint of warmth and zest that elevates the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle touch of heat to keep things lively.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for even thickening.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Added at the end for crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish and adds fresh, subtle onion notes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by placing your chicken thighs or breasts directly in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and if you like a little kick, crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce packs a punch and will act like a flavorful marinade as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pour the beautifully mixed sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred effortlessly with forks. This long, slow cook allows the flavors to infuse deeply.
Step 3: Shred and Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is ready, remove it and shred it right in the slow cooker or on a plate. Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the lingering sauce in the cooker. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into that perfect sticky glaze that clings to every delicious bite.
Step 4: Final Touches
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over your slow cooker honey sesame chicken. These finishing touches add texture, freshness, and a little visual pop that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this dish, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top add not only color but also a satisfying crunch and bright notes that contrast against the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This honey sesame chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried veggies or buttery noodles to round out the meal and add variety in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this over cauliflower rice for a lighter option or pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or sandwiches when reheated, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for the perfect quick meal during a busy week, as the flavors only deepen after sitting for a while.
Freezing
You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Place the chicken and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much while chilled, stirring gently to revive its glossy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option, but keep in mind that thighs stay moister and more flavorful during the slow cooking process.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! Simply reduce the honey to 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup. This keeps the honey sesame flavor while cutting down on sweetness to suit your taste.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, checking for tenderness.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
You can substitute arrowroot powder or flour; however, cornstarch gives the clearest, glossiest finish that’s ideal for this recipe’s texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, which often contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a true lifesaver on busy days and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser anytime of the week. With its incredible balance of sweet and savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken, you’re in for a treat that feels special but couldn’t be easier. I hope you give it a try soon and make it one of your go-to slow cooker favorites!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey soy sauce, thickened to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks low and slow, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken served best over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside temporarily.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce inside the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well to combine.
- Final Cook: Cover and cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken just before serving. Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower-sugar version, reduce honey to 1/3 cup.
- Chicken thighs keep the dish more moist and flavorful compared to chicken breasts.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for best results.
