Honey Sesame Slow Cooker Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 5 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to fall in love with Honey Sesame Slow Cooker Chicken — a dish that brings together savory, sweet, and umami flavors in the easiest way possible. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Slow Cooker Chicken

The star of the show, chicken thighs, are perfect for slow cooking because they stay juicy and absorb flavors well. The low-sodium soy sauce provides the savory base without overwhelming saltiness. Sweetness comes from honey, which also helps to create a glossy finish. Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Sesame oil gives a nutty depth, while garlic and fresh ginger bring aromatic warmth. A touch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat. The cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the chicken. Finally, sesame seeds and green onions add a fresh, crunchy garnish to finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster.
  • For a more intense sesame flavor, toast the sesame seeds before using them as a topping.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Sesame Slow Cooker Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which soak up the sauce nicely. A side of steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas adds a pop of color and crunch. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they are cooked through before serving.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free.

Honey Sesame Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chicken thighs directly into the slow cooker. No need to pre-cook them; they’ll become wonderfully tender as they slow cook.

Next, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Once mixed, pour this flavorful concoction over the chicken. This is where all the magic happens as the chicken absorbs these delightful flavors.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its thing for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. It’s time to thicken that delicious sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, giving it a few minutes to thicken up nicely.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well-coated with the now-thickened sauce. Let it cook for another 10 minutes so everything melds together perfectly.

Serve your chicken hot, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that final touch of flavor and crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of heat.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Great for meal prep: makes excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken.
6. Return chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Serve chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

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