Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting in this deliciously satisfying Sesame Chicken recipe. Packed with the bold flavors of soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, the sauce infuses every bite of tender shredded chicken with irresistible sweetness and savoriness.

Ideal for a no fuss weeknight meal or a make-ahead lunch, this dish pairs beautifully with a simple bed of white rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions for texture and color. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines comfort and flavor in every spoonful, all with minimal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped
Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Stir the mixture into the sauce in the crockpot.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve over a bed of white rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

When it comes to easy, flavorful, and family friendly dinners, Crock Pot Sesame Chicken ranks high on the list of must-make meals. This dish brings together the rich umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the aromatic kick of garlic and ginger, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s a hands-off recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home.

If you’re someone who craves that sticky, flavorful sesame chicken from your favorite takeout place, you’ll love this slow-cooker version. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients and sodium levels, but it also makes enough to feed a crowd or store for leftovers.

Let’s dive deep into what makes this recipe a standout, including its flavor profile, variations, health benefits, pairing suggestions, and more.

The Flavor Profile: Bold, Balanced, and Comforting

Sesame chicken is well-known for its distinctive balance of sweet and savory flavors, a hallmark of many Asian-inspired dishes. In this slow cooker version, the base sauce is made from soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil each ingredient playing an important role.

Soy sauce brings deep umami and saltiness.
Honey and brown sugar offer a rich sweetness that helps caramelize the sauce slightly as it cooks.
Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sugar.
Sesame oil infuses the dish with a nutty, toasty aroma.
Garlic and fresh ginger elevate the flavor with their pungent, warming qualities.

Once the chicken has been slow cooked in this flavorful blend, it’s shredded and returned to the sauce, which is thickened slightly to achieve that sticky, glossy finish that sesame chicken lovers crave.

Why Use a Crock Pot?

The slow cooker (or Crock Pot) is the ultimate kitchen tool for busy families or anyone looking to make a satisfying meal with minimal effort. With this sesame chicken recipe, the “set it and forget it” method works beautifully. You simply toss everything into the pot, let it cook while you go about your day, then come back to a hot, fully cooked meal.

Using the slow cooker also helps the chicken become ultra-tender. Chicken thighs, in particular, are ideal for this method. They stay juicy and develop a melt-in-your-mouth texture as they slowly absorb all the flavors in the sauce.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can adjust it based on your dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:

1. Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon (or more) of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat pairs nicely with the sweetness of the honey.

2. Gluten Free Option

To make this dish gluten free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

3. Add Veggies

While the base recipe focuses on the chicken and sauce, feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking. This turns the dish into a more complete one-pot meal.

4. Low Sugar Version

To reduce sugar content, you can halve the honey and brown sugar and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative. The sauce will be less sticky-sweet but still flavorful.

5. Vegan Twist

Although traditional sesame chicken relies on chicken thighs, you could make a plant-based version using tofu or soy curls. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and finish with a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

This dish is incredibly flavorful on its own but shines brightest when paired with the right sides. Here are some tried-and-true options:

Steamed white rice: The most classic pairing. The rice soaks up the sticky sauce beautifully.
Brown rice or quinoa: For a healthier twist, these grains offer fiber and extra nutrition.
Cauliflower rice: A low-carb option that still lets the sauce be the star.
Steamed broccoli or green beans: Add freshness and a bit of crunch.
Sesame noodles: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve the chicken over a bowl of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions.

You can also top the dish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a squeeze of lime for a pop of acidity.

Meal Prep and Storage

One of the greatest perks of this dish is how well it stores and reheats. You can easily double the recipe and keep leftovers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Portion into meal-sized servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

This makes it an excellent option for meal prep enthusiasts or busy parents looking to simplify weeknight dinners.

Health Benefits of Homemade Sesame Chicken

Compared to takeout, this homemade version is significantly healthier. Here’s why:

Lower sodium: By using low-sodium soy sauce and skipping added MSG, you can reduce your overall sodium intake.
No deep frying: Unlike restaurant versions, this recipe doesn’t involve frying the chicken. That means far less oil and fewer calories.
Controlled sugar content: You can adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your preferences or dietary goals.
Rich in protein: Chicken thighs are high in protein, making this dish filling and satisfying.

If you’re focused on eating more whole foods and avoiding preservatives, homemade slow-cooked sesame chicken is a smart alternative to the restaurant version.

Why This Recipe Works

There’s a reason why this dish consistently earns rave reviews it hits all the right notes:

It’s easy: Just mix, dump, and cook.
It’s flavorful: The sauce hits that addictive sweet-savory balance.
It’s family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love it.
It’s budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and makes multiple servings.
It’s versatile: Easy to customize for various diets or flavor preferences.

It’s also one of those dishes that smells amazing as it cooks making your kitchen feel warm, welcoming, and full of anticipation.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a comforting, flavorful meal that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly crave worthy. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves the flavors of takeout but wants to eat at home. The slow cooker makes it nearly effortless, and the sticky, savory sweet sauce delivers restaurant-level satisfaction every time.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s a staple worth bookmarking, sharing, and making a regular part of your kitchen rotation.

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