Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. This recipe allows you to create tender, flavorful chicken that’s coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, all while letting your slow cooker do the work. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or for entertaining, as it requires just a few simple steps and results in a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The combination of the tender chicken and the rich, sticky sauce makes this dish an irresistible addition to your recipe repertoire.

The first time I made Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, I was looking for a meal that was both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. I loved the idea of combining honey, sesame, and chicken in a slow cooker, hoping to create a dish that was both comforting and exciting. As the chicken cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen with a sweet and savory scent that was absolutely mouthwatering. The result was even better than I had hoped – the chicken was incredibly tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced with sweetness and savory notes.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It’s an easy dish to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize the sauce to your liking by adding a touch of spice, using different types of honey, or adding other Asian-inspired flavors. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for

• Weeknight dinners
• Busy families
• Meal prepping
• Potlucks
• Entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken will become your new favorite dish:

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort.
• Incredible Flavor: The honey sesame sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
• Easy Customization: The recipe can be easily customized with different spices, sauces, and vegetables to suit your personal preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during the slow cooking process, but chicken breasts can also be used.
• Honey: Honey provides sweetness and a sticky texture to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that is essential to this dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
2. Whisk Together Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the honey sesame sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all the pieces are coated.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

1. Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Shred Chicken (Optional): If desired, shred the chicken with two forks after cooking.

Thicken the Sauce:

1. Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
2. Pour Slurry into Slow Cooker: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
3. Cook Until Thickened: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve:

1. Serve Over Rice: Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken over cooked rice.
2. Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

This recipe can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
• With Noodles: Serve with lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, or rice noodles for a different twist.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter and healthier option.
• As a Filling for Buns: Use as a filling for steamed buns or bao buns for a tasty and portable snack.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a complete and balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use more cornstarch.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
• Toast Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds before garnishing for a more intense nutty flavor.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Here are some variations you can try for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken:

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Ginger Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of garlic and ginger for a more pronounced flavor.
• Orange Honey Sesame Chicken: Substitute some of the honey with orange marmalade for a citrusy flavor.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Use teriyaki sauce in place of the honey and soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Peanut Chicken: Add peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy and nutty flavor.
• Lemon Chicken: Add lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Cashew Chicken: Stir in cashews during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added crunch.
• Mushroom Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a more savory flavor.
• Hoisin Chicken: Add hoisin sauce to the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Storage: Store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken easier:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, as it allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is important for achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce.
• Whisk: A whisk is useful for combining the sauce ingredients and creating a smooth consistency.
• Serving Spoon: A serving spoon is needed for scooping the chicken and sauce onto plates or bowls.

FAQ Section for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s generally not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker, as it can take too long to reach a safe internal temperature. Thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be drier than chicken thighs. Reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
   Add more cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and cook for a longer period of time until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Can I add other spices to the sauce?
   Yes, you can add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or five-spice powder to the sauce for added flavor.

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Conclusion

This recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender, juicy chicken, coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

I’d love to see your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this delicious dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!