sesame chicken slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sesame chicken slow cooker recipe
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The Best sesame chicken slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making sesame chicken in my slow cooker for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite recipes. It’s a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and customize to our tastes. The combination of crispy sesame seeds, savory soy sauce, and sweet honey is a winner with my kids.

We love serving it over steamed rice or noodles, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. I’ve also found that this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like holidays and potlucks. Sesame chicken has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, where it’s known as ‘jiang jiao’ or ‘chicken with sesame oil.’

The original recipe calls for stir-frying the chicken with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, but I’ve adapted it to fit my slow cooker. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a rich, nutty flavor from the sesame seeds. My kids can’t get enough of it!

The key to this recipe is using a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to create a sweet and savory sauce. I like to use a high-quality soy sauce that’s low in sodium, and you can adjust the amount of honey to your taste. The rice vinegar adds a nice tanginess that balances out the sweetness.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with steamed vegetables, noodles, or even as a topping for salads. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they can customize their own toppings.

We always have fun mealtime when we make sesame chicken in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

4.8 from 1461 votes

Tender chicken thighs are cooked low and slow in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, then finished with a glossy glaze and toasted sesame seeds. This easy slow cooker version delivers all the flavor of takeout with minimal hands-on effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Slurry and Garnish

2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
2 green onions, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the honey is fully dissolved.
3Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
4Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5The sauce will have thinned and the chicken will be very soft.
6Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board.
7Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
8Discard any large pieces of fat.
9Turn the slow cooker to HIGH.
10In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
11Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
12Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
13Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly with the thickened sauce.
14Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
15The chicken should be glistening and fully coated.
16In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and light golden brown.
17Serve the sesame chicken over steamed rice, garnished with the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Small skillet (for toasting sesame seeds)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 34g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Works

This sesame chicken slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal.

My family loves it when we have guests over because it’s so easy to serve and customize to everyone’s tastes.

We often have leftovers too, which is always convenient for busy families like ours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. You can also use a combination of both if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven by stir-frying the chicken with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Q: How do I store leftover sesame chicken?

A: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

A: Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.

Q: Do I need to soak the sesame seeds before using them?

A: No, you don’t need to soak the sesame seeds before using them. Just sprinkle them on top of the chicken before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

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