Easy Crock Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe to Try

If you’re looking for an effortless way to enjoy flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine at home, this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer. It brings together tender chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky sauce with sweet and savory sesame notes, all cooked low and slow to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free meal that tastes like it took hours of work, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Just toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Perfectly tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures every bite is juicy and melts in your mouth.
• Balanced flavors: A harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty sesame makes it irresistible.
• Minimal ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have, keeping prep stress-free.
• Family-friendly: This recipe pleases kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe keeps things simple with wholesome ingredients that work together perfectly to build layers of flavor. Each one plays an important role to create the rich sauce, tender texture, and inviting color of the finished dish.

• Boneless chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving for slow cooking than breasts, providing moist, tender meat.
• Soy sauce: Adds the essential salty umami base everyone craves in Asian dishes.
• Honey or brown sugar: Brings sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• Garlic and ginger: Provide aromatic warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.
• Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a deep, nutty flavor that’s signature to sesame chicken.
• Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and tang, keeping the taste well-rounded.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding a little crunch and visual appeal.
• Green onions: Freshness and color that brighten every plate.

Variations for Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

The beauty of this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you like, dietary needs, or what’s in your kitchen. Feel free to adapt it in creative ways!

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some heat in the sauce.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added sugars to accommodate dietary needs.
• Gluten-free twist: Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure your cornstarch or arrowroot is gluten-free.
• Protein swap: Try this recipe with turkey pieces or tofu for a different but equally delicious spin.

How to Make Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Trim and pat dry your boneless chicken thighs to ensure the sauce can coat them evenly and stay flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a balanced marinade that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Combine in the crock pot

Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them, turning to coat each piece thoroughly before covering.

Step 4: Cook low and slow

Set your crock pot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and soak up every bit of the delicious sesame sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

Before serving, stir together cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then add to the crock pot. Turn the heat to high for about 15 minutes to thicken the sauce to a luscious glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add texture, color, and freshness before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

• Use chicken thighs: They hold up better in slow cooking and stay juicier than breasts.
• Don’t skip the glaze step: Thickening the sauce at the end ensures it clings to the chicken perfectly.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and tweak honey or sugar to suit your preference.
• Toast sesame seeds: Quickly toasting them on a dry skillet before garnishing boosts flavor and aroma.
• Serve over rice: White jasmine or brown rice perfectly soak up the sauce for a complete meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

Finishing with a handful of freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds inviting color and a satisfying crunch that elevates this simple dish.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles and light vegetable sides like sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or snap peas for a balanced, wholesome dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the sesame chicken in crispy wonton cups for bite-sized appetizers or heap it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For a fun dinner, wrap pieces in lettuce leaves and add a drizzle of extra sauce for hand-held flavor bombs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover Crock Pot Sesame Chicken to cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve the tender texture of the chicken and prevent the sauce from burning.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they may become less tender after slow cooking, so keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be easily adapted by using gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring any cornstarch used is gluten-free.

How spicy is this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling works well if your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients without overcrowding for even cooking.

What’s the best way to serve this dish for meal prep?

Pair it with steamed rice and steamed vegetables in divided containers for convenient, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is a total winner for anyone craving something delicious, easy, and fuss-free. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal that feels special without the stress. Try it tonight and enjoy the pure pleasure of tender chicken in a mouthwatering sesame sauce that will keep you coming back for more!

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