Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this effortless Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken, a perfect dish for busy weeknights. Succulent chicken thighs are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, promising a deeply satisfying meal. This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple for any home cook.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly delicious with minimal active cooking time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Tender, succulent chicken infused with a deeply savory-sweet and aromatic sauce.
- A versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Achieves a rich, complex flavor profile that tastes like it took hours, but was incredibly simple to prepare.
- A comforting and satisfying meal that is consistently a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 680 g (1 1/2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) low-sodium soy sauce
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) hoisin sauce
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 10 g (1/2 inch piece) fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) rice vinegar (optional)
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) cornstarch
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2-3 green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by ensuring it is cut into uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic (if using), grated ginger (if using), and rice vinegar (if using) until well combined. This creates the foundational flavor for the dish.
- Place the cubed chicken thighs into the basin of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Stir gently to distribute the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. Cooking on low allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors without drying out.
- Approximately 30 minutes before the total cooking time is complete, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the 15 ml (1 tbsp) of cornstarch with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of cold water until smooth and lump-free. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
- Remove the slow cooker lid and pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly to incorporate it thoroughly into the sauce. Replace the lid and continue to cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has visibly thickened to your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Carefully transfer the Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions (if using) just before serving to add freshness and a pleasant textural contrast.
- Serve hot, ideally over steamed jasmine rice or noodles, with a side of your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
Essential Success Tips
- Do not lift the lid during the initial cooking phase, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time. Only open it when adding the cornstarch slurry.
- For the best texture, cut chicken thighs into uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Always whisk your cornstarch with cold water until absolutely smooth before adding it to the hot sauce. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
- Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more honey for sweetness or a splash of soy sauce for saltiness.
- Serve immediately once thickened for the best texture. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the depth of flavor, quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the chicken and adds an extra layer of savory richness.
- For added freshness and a pop of color, stir in some blanched broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with the cornstarch slurry.
- Use toasted sesame oil for the sauce. Its more intense, nutty flavor significantly elevates the overall aroma and taste compared to untoasted sesame oil.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once completely cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but be aware that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily in a slow cooker. You might consider cutting larger breasts into slightly bigger chunks or reducing the cooking time by 30-60 minutes on low, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 74°C or 165°F).
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken?
This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles (like lo mein or ramen). For vegetables, consider serving it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari. Ensure your hoisin sauce is also certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories: 480, Protein: 45g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 25g. These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Allergy Information
Contains soy and sesame. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tamari and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free. This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
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