Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender shredded chicken enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. This recipe stands out because of its simplicity; just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work. Serve this flavorful dish over rice, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker takes care of all the cooking.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich sauce.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving at a family meal or as leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and minimal added sugars.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of spice with optional red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Sesame Chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It cooks your chicken low and slow, ensuring it’s tender and flavorful.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your sauce ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps to blend ingredients together smoothly, preventing clumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken has tender shredded chicken in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Serve it over rice and topped with sesame seeds. One of the easiest slow cooker recipes!

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
– ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– cooked brown or white rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions (for serving)

How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. low sodium soy sauce
2. ketchup
3. honey
4. sesame oil
5. minced garlic
6. black pepper, and if desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1½-2½ hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. For boneless chicken thighs, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken to a clean bowl or cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together:
1. 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2. 1 tablespoon of water

Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 10-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Shred the chicken into pieces and return it to the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added crunch!

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked brown or white rice for a filling and satisfying meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to bring in color and nutrition.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve shredded chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for fresh and crunchy bites.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish your dish with chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

With Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving to enhance the texture and visual appeal.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding some coleslaw for crunch.

How to Perfect Crockpot Sesame Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tenderness and flavor.
• Marinate for flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking to enhance the taste.
• Don’t rush cooking time: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld together beautifully; resist the urge to cook on high unless short on time.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey according to your personal preference for sweetness.
• Thicken sauce properly: Use cornstarch mixed with water to create a silky sauce; this step is key for texture.
• Add vegetables: Include bell peppers or snap peas in the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Pairing your Crockpot Sesame Chicken with the right sides can enhance its delightful flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic Asian side that complements the savory flavors beautifully; add peas and carrots for color.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light salad with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes brings a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a great texture and earthy taste.
4. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness to balance the richness of the chicken.
5. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa offers a fruity twist that elevates each bite of chicken.
6. Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
7. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant jasmine rice adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with sesame flavors.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: For something different, offer garlic breadsticks that can be dipped into the sauce as an appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using too much salt: Excessive soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to maintain flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can lead to uneven sauce distribution. Make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces for better flavor absorption.
• Skipping the thickening step: Not using cornstarch may leave the sauce too thin. Always mix cornstarch with water and add it back to the sauce for a perfect consistency.
• Overcooking or undercooking chicken: Cooking time is crucial; monitor your slow cooker closely. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F for safety and tenderness.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping sesame seeds and green onions can diminish presentation and flavor. Always garnish before serving for added texture and taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delicious slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and garlic.

How long does Crockpot Sesame Chicken take to cook?

Cooking time varies; on low heat, it takes about 3-4 hours, while on high heat, it requires around 1½-2½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even lamb if you prefer different flavors. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.

How do I customize my Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking. You can also adjust sweetness by modifying honey amounts or adding more spices.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, you can customize this dish by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that your whole family will love!

---