Crock Pot Sesame Chicken (Print version)

Tender slow-cooked chicken in a savory-sweet sesame sauce that's ready with minimal prep.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

→ Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/3 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

→ Thickener

10 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
11 - 2 tbsp water

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds
13 - 2 green onions, sliced

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
03 - Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, turning pieces to ensure all surfaces are evenly coated with the sesame glaze.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks or slice into strips.
06 - Create a slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat with thickened sauce, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
08 - Plate sesame chicken over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Set it and forget it convenience that delivers restaurant quality flavor
  • The sauce gets this incredible glossy finish that coats every single piece of chicken perfectly
  • Your house will smell amazing all day long
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, every peek adds 15 minutes to cooking time
  • The sauce might look thin at first but thickens dramatically after the cornstarch step
  • Chicken thighs really do perform better here, breasts can dry out even in the slow cooker
03 -
  • Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra for drizzling over rice or vegetables
  • Line your slow cooker with a liner for the easiest cleanup ever

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