Crock Pot Sesame Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken in a rich sesame sauce, slowly cooked to perfection for an effortless weeknight dinner.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Thickening & Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
11 - 2 tablespoons water
12 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# How-To Steps:

01 - Arrange chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined.
03 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Remove cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks or cut into bite-sized pieces.
06 - Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Pour into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker and mix well.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat with thickened sauce, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
08 - Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce develops this incredible depth that only slow cooking can achieve, with honey and sesame oil creating something magical.
  • You get tender, shreddable chicken that practically falls apart while you're busy doing literally anything else.
02 -
  • The sauce might look thin when you first add the cornstarch slurry give it at least 15 minutes to thicken properly.
  • Don't add the sesame seeds until the very end or they'll get sad and soggy.
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker with a parchment paper liner for cleanup that takes literally seconds.
  • If you want it spicy, add the red pepper flakes at the start but if you're unsure, add them at the end to taste.

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