Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
A delicious and simple Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet-savory sesame sauce, cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Healthy, family-friendly, and adaptable for various dietary needs, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that requires minimal prep.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined. This sauce will be the flavor powerhouse for your Crock Pot Sesame Chicken.
- Add Chicken to the Crock Pot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer them evenly to ensure even cooking and sauce coverage.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Slowly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated well. This will let the flavors soak in as the chicken cooks.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow, gentle heat locks in moisture and flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crock pot. This thickens the sauce, giving it a rich, glossy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for the perfect finishing touch. Serve hot over rice or your favorite noodles.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs to keep chicken moist and flavorful.
- Don’t skip fresh ginger and garlic for essential flavor depth.
- Thicken the sauce near the end to avoid stringy textures.
- Layer chicken evenly for consistent taste throughout.
- Check chicken at 4 hours to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Sesame Chicken, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free