Name: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485212H19M52S
Total time: PT-485212H19M52S
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ cup honey; ½ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped; Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Short Description

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and effortless meal that brings sweet and savory flavors together in a tender, juicy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal preparation and uses simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in succulent chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce infused with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does the hard work, allowing you to go about your day while your meal prepares itself.
Family-Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple and inexpensive ingredients that are readily available.
Versatile: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and can be easily reheated for later meals.
Healthier Alternative: A homemade version that’s better than takeout, with no added preservatives.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Honey
Soy sauce
Ketchup
Garlic
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Cornstarch
Water
Sesame seeds
Green onions
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix it with the thickened sauce, and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Crispier Chicken: Instead of shredding, remove the chicken, coat it lightly in cornstarch, and pan-fry for a crispy texture before returning it to the sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4-5 hours
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Thicken the sauce as directed after cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Increase the cooking time by about 30-45 minutes on low or 15-20 minutes on high.

Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?

Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.

Can I make this without honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar, though the flavor will slightly change.

How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the honey and add more soy sauce or rice vinegar for a more savory balance.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) and add it to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the sauce and store it separately. Add everything to the slow cooker when ready to cook.

What sides go well with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-style salad complement it well.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts and make sure not to overcook.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for busy nights. With a rich, sticky-sweet sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether served over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your home. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade alternative to takeout!

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