Description
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a tender, juicy dish with sweet and savory flavors. Made with simple ingredients, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and better than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Slow cooker chicken, honey sesame chicken, crockpot Asian chicken, easy chicken recipe, homemade takeout