If you’re craving an irresistibly sweet, savory, and easy-to-make dinner, this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is the ultimate answer. It blends tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a luscious honey and sesame sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Using everyday ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor, this recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting a perfectly balanced Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Each item adds its own character—whether it’s the mellow sweetness of honey, the zing of fresh ginger, or the nutty richness of sesame oil.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs offer juicy tenderness while breasts keep it lean and light.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory base while keeping the sodium in check.
- ½ cup honey: Adds that signature sweet depth that complements the savory elements.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Balances tanginess and thickens the sauce naturally.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses nutty richness that makes this sauce truly special.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Boosts aroma and gives that comforting garlicky warmth.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds zesty freshness and a subtle spice kick.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat playing in the background.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Perfect for thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty garnish.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Their mild sharpness and color brighten each serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by placing the chicken thighs or breasts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a perfect base for the sauce to infuse every morsel. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this vibrant sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is nicely coated. This combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is going to work its magic over the cooking hours.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its thing—cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This long, slow cook softens the chicken, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors and become fork-tender. Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma that turns anticipation into pure excitement.
Step 3: Shred and Thicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks—it falls apart so easily. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir this into the sauce inside the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final step thickens the sauce and coats the chicken in that irresistible glaze you’re dreaming of.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Before plating, sprinkle the dish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These little touches not only add texture and a fresh pop of color but also elevate the flavor beautifully, making every bite lively and vibrant.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The sesame seeds and green onions sprinkled on top are more than just decoration—they introduce a pleasant toasty crunch and a mild bite that balances the sweet-salty sauce. You can also add a few extra sliced red chili rings if you want to turn up the heat and make the dish visually striking.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa, allowing that honey sesame sauce to soak in perfectly. Steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make a crisp, colorful complement that adds nutritional balance. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld meal. You can also toss the shredded chicken with noodles or use it as a filling for bao buns or tacos to bring an Asian-inspired fusion party to your plate. Whichever way you choose, the versatility of this dish makes every meal exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, making leftovers even more tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if you can, since slow reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine and are great if you prefer a leaner option, but they may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Keep an eye on cooking time since breasts can dry out if overcooked.
Is crushed red pepper flakes necessary?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat kick, but you can skip them entirely for a milder sauce or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce and chicken in a large pan over low heat, cooking until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. Just keep it covered and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
What can I add to make it a complete one-pot meal?
Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers about an hour before the cooking is done. This way, they’ll cook with the chicken and soak up the delicious sauce—making dinner even easier and healthier.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
If you find the honey makes the sauce too sweet, you can adjust by adding a little extra soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to balance it out. Taste as you go to find your perfect harmony.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a genuine winner—simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to feel like a treat. Once you try the tender chicken bathed in that glossy, flavorful sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s an easy recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the table, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a go, and watch it become one of your all-time favorite go-to dinners.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make Asian-inspired meal. Boneless chicken cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce makes for the perfect dinner that can be served over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickener
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it finely using two forks.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir until well coated.
- Final Cook: Cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and tender meat compared to breasts.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot complete meal.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables.
