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Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
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This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful, and comforting slow-cooked meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmered in a savory, slightly sweet sesame sauce, finished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a deliciously satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (or maple syrup for low sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Thickener

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Garnishes (optional)

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Variations (optional additions)

  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice
  • Sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for veggies

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey (or other sweetener), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir thoroughly until the honey is fully incorporated into the sauce.
  3. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and gently stir to coat all pieces in the sauce.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture into the crock pot, stirring gently. Allow the sauce to thicken as it finishes cooking.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the chicken to add a bright, nutty finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use dark meat (chicken thighs) for juicier, more tender results during slow cooking.
  • Do not skip the sesame oil; it provides the authentic sesame chicken aroma.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry near the end to avoid over-thickening or lumps in the sauce.
  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce a few hours before cooking.
  • Maintain the liquid level by not adding extra water to keep sauce rich and concentrated.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot, slow cooker, sesame chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, Asian chicken, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/crock-pot-sesame-chicken/