Slowcooker Sesame Chicken Sticky Sweet and Easy
Quick Hook
Crockpot Sesame Chicken got me at the first slow simmer.
Remember takeout nights that tasted unforgettable? This is that, but homemade.
Think sticky sweet sesame glaze with a little tang and warmth.
Brief Overview
This Sesame Chicken Recipe grew from Chinese American kitchens.
It’s comfort food with a quick pantry style twist.
Difficulty is easy for any home cook.
Prep takes about 15 minutes active work.
Cook time is LOW 4 6 hours or HIGH 2 3 hours .
Yields four generous servings per batch.
Serve over rice for classic Sesame Chicken over Rice.
Main Benefits
Top health win is lean protein from chicken.
Swap tamari and arrowroot for a gluten-free Sesame Chicken.
This recipe suits weeknights, meal prep, and lazy Sundays.
It’s perfect for family dinners and friend potlucks.
What makes it special is deep, slow cooked flavor.
Crock Pot Cooking builds richness you can’t fake quickly.
I love how the sauce clings to each bite.
A quick broil or pan-sear adds a crisp finish.
That contrast of tender meat and slightly crisp edges thrills.
Why I Love It
Honestly, my partner called this Honey Sesame Chicken magic.
My first attempt lacked thickness and tasted flat.
Lesson learned: always thicken the sauce at the end.
Also, browning gives caramel notes worth the extra minute.
I once overcooked breasts and vowed to use thighs.
Thighs stay juicy and forgiving in Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken.
Little Persuasion
Fun quote I love: sauce makes the memory.
You’ll adore the sticky sweet balance of honey and soy.
This feels like Crockpot Asian Chicken comfort food.
Ready to gather ingredients and get started?
Next up, the ingredient list and simple steps.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1.5" pieces.
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper.
- 1 2 tbsp (15 30 ml) neutral oil for browning (optional).
Sauce, pour into the crockpot
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar.
- 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce (optional).
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp sriracha (optional).
Thicken and finish
- 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch mixed with 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml) cold water.
- Garnish: 2 tbsp (18 g) toasted sesame seeds and 3 sliced green onions.
Quality tips: pick thighs with even pink color. Choose low-sodium soy sauce. Use toasted sesame oil for aroma. I learned this the hard way. Once I used old sesame oil. Yikes.
Fun stat: sesame seeds have been farmed for over 3,000 years.
Seasoning Notes
Essential combo: garlic, ginger, sesame oil. These make the backbone. Add brown sugar and honey for the signature sticky glaze. Hoisin adds depth. Rice vinegar gives bright balance.
Flavor enhancers: a splash of lime or 1 tsp rice vinegar brightens the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds boost aroma.
Quick swaps: tamari for gluten-free. Arrowroot ( 1½ tbsp / 12 g ) for clearer glaze. Maple syrup for honey. Honestly, I often swap based on pantry odds.
Equipment Needed
Essential tools only: 4 6 quart crockpot, large skillet, small bowl and whisk, tongs, measuring cups and spoons, instant-read thermometer.
Household alternatives: no crockpot? Use a Dutch oven on low. No skillet? Use a heavy pan. No thermometer? Cook until juices run clear and chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
I always keep a cheap thermometer handy. It saves guessing and stress.
Oh my gosh, this setup makes Crockpot Sesame Chicken a breeze. Try it as a Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken, or as a Honey Sesame Chicken variation. You’ll be happy.
Cooking Method
Slow cooking brings out deep flavor. I learned that the hard way. Once I rushed a weeknight dinner. The Crockpot saved the night.
This section walks you through the prep, the cook, and the finish. It reads like a chat with your best mate.
Prep Steps
- Do mise en place. Cut 2 lb chicken into 1 1.5" pieces. Measure sauce ingredients.
- Taste the sauce before cooking. Adjust brown sugar and rice vinegar.
- Save time by trimming and mincing first. Keep garlic and ginger ready.
- Safety reminder: always wash hands after handling raw chicken. Use a clean board.
- If you want crisp edges, dredge in cornstarch. That step adds 10 minutes.
step-by-step Process
- Season chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Optional dredge in cornstarch.
- Brown quickly in a hot skillet, 1– 2 minutes per side. Aim for golden edges.
- Whisk sauce and pour into the crockpot. Stir to coat the chicken.
- Cook on 2– 3 hours on HIGH or 4– 6 hours on LOW . Chicken is done at 165° F ( 74° C) . Look for tender, fork prick texture.
- Remove 1/2 cup liquid. Whisk in slurry. Stir back and cook on HIGH for 5– 10 minutes until glossy.
- Optional finish: broil or air-fry 3– 5 minutes for a crisp bite. Toss with sticky sauce.
Visual cues matter. Golden edges from browning look lovely. The sauce should cling and shine. The meat should shred slightly with a fork.
Pro Tips
- Technique: brown in batches for better crust. It’s worth the extra pan.
- Shortcut: skip browning for a true Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken. Flavor still develops.
- Mistake to avoid: thickening too early. Starch breaks down during long cooks.
- make-ahead: cook on LOW, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat and thicken before serving.
- For gluten-free Sesame Chicken, swap tamari and arrowroot.
I serve this Crockpot Sesame Chicken over rice. It’s my go-to for fuss free dinners. Try it as Honey Sesame Chicken or Honey Chicken.
The Sticky Sesame Glaze keeps kids happy. Honestly, it’s comfort food magic.
Recipe Notes
"My mom used to say, Sauce makes the dish." That line stuck. It explains why my Crockpot Sesame Chicken turns heads. It's cozy, sticky, and forgiving. I love that about slow cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this as a classic Sesame Chicken Recipe over steamed rice. Try Sesame Chicken over Rice for easy weeknight comfort.
For flair, pile it on a shallow bowl. Scatter toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Want to feel fancy? Add a side of garlic bok choy.
For drinks, a chilled jasmine tea or a crisp Riesling pairs nicely. If you love Honey Sesame Chicken, drizzle a touch more honey before serving.
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers quickly. Store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove. Simmer until hot and glossy. If using a microwave, stir halfway through.
Reheating instructions
Reheat on low heat. Add a splash of water. Stir to loosen the Sticky Sesame Glaze. Finish with fresh scallions.
Variations
Want gluten-free Sesame Chicken? Swap tamari for soy sauce. Use arrowroot for the slurry. For vegetarian eats, trade chicken for firm tofu.
Press it first. Pan-sear for texture. Seasonal swaps? Add roasted bell peppers in summer. Stir in quick steamed greens in winter.
Nutrition Basics
This Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is protein forward. Expect about 45 60 g protein per serving. Watch the sugars. Brown sugar and honey add sweetness.
Use low-sodium soy to cut salt. A single serving delivers good energy and satisfaction.
Quick tips from my kitchen
I once forgot to thicken the sauce. The result was tasty but thin. Lesson learned. Always finish with a slurry.
Also, for crisp edges, broil for 3 5 minutes. Safety note: chicken must reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Cook on LOW 4 6 hours or HIGH 2 3 hours .
Crock Pot Cooking turned this into an easy family winner. Whether you call it Crockpot Asian Chicken or Honey Chicken, it hits the spot. Try it once. You’ll be a believer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cook Crockpot Sesame Chicken so it stays tender and not dry?
Use boneless thighs if you want the most forgiving, juicy result breasts work but need checking sooner to avoid overcooking. Cook on LOW for 4 6 hours or HIGH for 2 3 hours and confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer (165°F / 74°C); avoid leaving it on HIGH for much longer than the recipe says.
A quick brown in a hot skillet before slow cooking adds flavor and color, and finish with a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry at the end to give the sauce body without drying the chicken.
How can I get the sauce glossy and sticky can I thicken it in the crockpot?
Don’t add starch at the start, because long slow cooking breaks down thickening agents; instead remove some cooking liquid and whisk in a cold cornstarch or arrowroot slurry, then stir it back in and cook on HIGH or use the sauté setting for 5 10 minutes until glossy.
For a clearer glaze use arrowroot, and if you want crispy edges like takeout, remove the chicken, thicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop, then quickly broil or air-fry the chicken for 3 5 minutes before tossing in the glaze.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free or lower the sodium and sugar?
Yes swap tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to keep it gluten-free, and choose low-sodium broth or water to reduce salt.
To cut sugar and calories, reduce the brown sugar and honey (or use a sugar substitute) and add a touch more rice vinegar for balance; expect that these swaps will change the final sweetness and depth, so taste and adjust before cooking.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover sesame chicken?
Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (store sauce and chicken together or separately for best texture). Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts; to revive crispness, pop portions under the broiler or into an air fryer for a few minutes.
What variations or swaps work well can I make it spicy or vegetarian?
Absolutely add sriracha, gochujang, or extra red pepper flakes for heat, and for a vegetarian version press and cube extra-firm tofu, brown it first, then slow-cook with the sauce.
Other tasty swaps include serving over cauliflower rice for lower carbs, adding stir-fried greens for veg, or finishing under the broiler for a crispy texture reminiscent of restaurant sesame chicken.
Slowcooker Sesame Chicken Sticky Sweet And Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600-700 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45-60 g |
| Fat | 25-35 g |
| Carbs | 30-40 g |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sugar | 20-30 g |
| Sodium | 700-1200 mg |
