Name: Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe & Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Cooked white rice, for serving; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Sesame chicken slow cooker: just the thought of it conjures up images of tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, doesn't it? Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of this Asian-inspired delight, ready to be served over a bed of fluffy rice. Forget takeout; this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!

While the exact origins of sesame chicken are debated, it's widely believed to be an Americanized adaptation of Chinese cuisine, designed to appeal to Western palates. The combination of crispy (often deep-fried) chicken coated in a sticky sesame sauce quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the United States. But who says you need to deep-fry to achieve that incredible flavor?

That's where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! People adore this sesame chicken slow cooker recipe because it offers all the deliciousness of the classic dish with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Plus, it's a fantastic make-ahead meal – simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner will be ready when you are. The sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor profile, combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the chicken, makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the easiest and most satisfying sesame chicken you've ever had!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

Cooked white rice, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken thicken the sauce as it cooks.
This step is crucial for achieving that slightly crispy texture, even in a slow cooker. Don't skip it!

Making the Sesame Sauce:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. The honey might take a little extra whisking to fully incorporate.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. For a tangier sauce, add a splash more rice vinegar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
Remember, the flavors will intensify as the sauce cooks, so don't overdo it with any one ingredient at this stage.

Slow Cooking the Sesame Chicken:

Place the coated chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. This will help them cook more evenly.
Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are submerged. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender.
Important Note: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Thickening the Sauce (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cover and continue cooking on high for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Keep an eye on the sauce while it's thickening, as it can thicken quickly and become too thick if overcooked.

Serving the Sesame Chicken:

Serve the sesame chicken hot over cooked white rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce!
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
You can also serve this with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips and Variations:

Chicken Options: While I prefer using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. If using chicken breasts, I recommend cutting them into smaller pieces to help them cook more evenly and absorb the sauce better.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, bell peppers (sliced), and snap peas are all great additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the dish. If you're sensitive to spice, you can omit them altogether. You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Soy Sauce: I highly recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Regular soy sauce can make the sauce too salty.
Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way, so don't overdo it. It adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the sauce.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor, but you can also use ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of each if substituting.
Serving Suggestions: This sesame chicken is also delicious served over noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. Get creative and experiment with different sides!
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the chicken.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting:

Chicken is Dry: If the chicken is dry, it's likely been overcooked. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly. Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts can also help prevent dryness.
Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry as described above. You can also cook the chicken uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken broth.
Flavor is Bland: If the flavor is bland, make sure you've used enough seasoning. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can also add a pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
Protein: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Fat: 15-25 grams

Enjoy your delicious and easy Sesame Chicken made in the slow cooker! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. We're talking about tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce that's so good, you'll want to lick the bowl clean! Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, more affordable, and, dare I say, even more delicious. But the best part? It's all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it. Hours later, you'll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of sesame chicken, ready to be devoured. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or even quinoa for a protein-packed meal. For a complete dinner, add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp Asian slaw. Looking for variations? I've got you covered! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For a richer flavor, try using dark soy sauce instead of light soy sauce. And if you're feeling adventurous, add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds as a garnish for extra crunch and visual appeal. You can even throw in some pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist. Another fantastic serving suggestion is to shred the chicken and use it to fill lettuce wraps. Top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sesame sauce for a light and refreshing meal. Or, use the shredded chicken in sliders for a fun and flavorful appetizer. The possibilities are truly endless! I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from you and learning how you're making this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can't wait to see your culinary creations! Don't forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I'd love to see your delicious sesame chicken masterpieces!