Name: Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1/2 cup coconut aminos; 1/4 cup honey; 1/3 cup low sugar ketchup; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 scallions, chopped

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Indulging in a warm bowl of Crockpot Sesame Chicken is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. The inviting aroma of soy and honey wafts through your home, filling the air with irresistible scents as it cooks slowly, transforming everyday chicken into a tender, savory delight. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something comforting without all the fuss.

What Makes This Special

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

Effortless preparation with minimal hands-on time.
Tender and juicy chicken that soaks up the rich sauce.
Versatile ingredients that you may already have on hand.
Ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Gather These Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, which come together to create something truly special. You’ll be using:

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup coconut aminos
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup low sugar ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 scallions, chopped

These ingredients work in harmony to deliver a sweet and savory profile that perfectly complements the chicken’s natural flavors.

Step by Step

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, coconut aminos, honey, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Whisk until they are well incorporated.
In another small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk this mixture into the sauce until fully combined.
Place the chicken breasts and thighs into the slow cooker, and pour the sauce evenly over them. Gently shift the pieces to ensure they are well coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve warm, ideally with fluffy rice that can soak up the delicious sauce.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~4 hours, Total ~4 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~350 per serving (estimated).

Plan Ahead

To make mealtime even easier, consider prepping some elements of this dish in advance. You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for extra flavor. Simply store the sauce and chicken together in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just pour everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Sesame Chicken can be a delight for future meals! Store any unused chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you wish to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warm, ensuring that the chicken retains its tender texture and flavor. A freshness cue is that the sauce will shine and thicken when warmed.

Serving Ideas

Pair your Crockpot Sesame Chicken with these delightful sides for a hearty meal:

Steamed white or brown rice
Quinoa for a nutty twist
Stir-fried vegetables for added crunch
Crispy green salad for freshness
Noodles tossed in sesame oil
Warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker for added nutrients.
Substitute the chicken for ground turkey for a different texture and flavor.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Drizzle with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy twist.
Experiment with different seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of sesame.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To ensure your Crockpot Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Always use fresh garlic for an aromatic boost.
For best results, try to cut the chicken into similar sizes for even cooking.
Don’t skip the cornstarch; it helps to create that perfect sauce consistency.
If you like a more caramelized flavor, cook on high for the first hour and then switch to low.
Be sure to let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce before serving to enhance flavor absorption.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, which is naturally gluten-free.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
What type of rice works best with this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices due to their fragrant and fluffy texture.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can work well, though cooking times may vary, so monitor accordingly.

Wrapping Up

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any day of the week. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a staple in any kitchen. With the ease of preparation and the delightful aroma that fills your home, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and time again. Consider trying it alongside another comforting recipe, like Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili or Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, for a rotation of hearty meals that you and your family will love.

Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A warm and comforting dish of chicken cooked slowly in a savory sesame sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Combine the minced garlic, coconut aminos, honey, ketchup, and rice vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until well incorporated.
Stir the cornstarch and water in another small bowl until smooth, then whisk this mixture into the sauce until fully combined.
Place the chicken breasts and thighs into the slow cooker, and pour the sauce evenly over them. Gently shift the pieces to ensure they are well coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Serve warm, ideally with fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to three months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian