Slow cooker sesame chicken is a tasty and easy dish that can brighten up your dinner routine.
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With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful meal that your whole family will love. This recipe gives you the comfort of a home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to soak up the delicious sesame flavors while staying tender and juicy.
You can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, inviting meal. Plus, it’s a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Get ready to discover how to make this easy dish that brings together savory sauce and tender chicken. It’s perfect for serving over rice or with your favorite vegetables. Your taste buds will thank you!
If you enjoy takeout-style slow cooker meals like this, you might also like my slow cooker teriyaki chicken, crock pot Thai peanut chicken, or slow cooker Mongolian beef for another easy weeknight dinner.
For even more hands-off meals, browse my full collection of Crock Pot Recipes for easy slow cooker dinners, soups, and family favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Slow cooker sesame chicken is an easy way to enjoy a takeout-style favorite at home.
The slow cooking process allows the sweet and savory sauce to soak into the chicken, creating tender pieces packed with flavor. It’s a simple set-it-and-forget-it dinner that works perfectly for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
To make this recipe, you’ll want a 6-quart slow cooker and I also recommend using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.
Now let’s walk through the simple steps.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
Pour this sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
While the sauce is thickening, shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
Serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Slow Cooker Tips
Chicken thighs work especially well in this recipe because they stay tender during long cooking times. Chicken breasts can also be used, but they may cook slightly faster.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. For extra vegetables, you can add broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the flavor if needed. A little extra honey can add sweetness, while more rice vinegar can brighten the sauce.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serve slow cooker sesame chicken over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles so the flavorful sauce soaks in. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
For a balanced meal, pair it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. The fresh vegetables help balance the rich sesame sauce.
Best Dishes to Pair With
Slow cooker sesame chicken pairs well with simple sides that balance the rich, savory sauce. Steamed jasmine rice is the classic choice because it absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with fried rice, brown rice, or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or stir-fried bell peppers. These fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and balance to the dish. A light cucumber salad or Asian-style slaw can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm sesame chicken.
If you want to make the meal feel more like takeout at home, serve it alongside egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.
Creative Leftover Ideas
Leftover sesame chicken is perfect for quick lunches and second meals.
Serve it in rice bowls with roasted vegetables, wrap it in lettuce cups for a lighter option, or add it to noodle stir-fries. It also works well in wraps or sandwiches with crunchy cabbage slaw.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the chicken gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
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