Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for Crockpot Sesame Chicken—a hands-off, tender, and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. It’s perfect for a busy day!
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve:
- Serve the sesame chicken over steamed rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the crockpot to enhance flavor and texture.
- For More Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicier version.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
This Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a super easy and tasty meal that’s perfect for serving over rice, with a sweet and savory sauce that everyone will love!