Easy Crockpot Sesame Chicken for Busy Weeknights Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly thicker sauce, consider whisking a small amount of cornstarch with a splash of water and stirring it into the sauce during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This will help the glaze coat the chicken more effectively and provide a more polished, restaurant-style appearance. Keep an eye on the consistency as it thickens to reach the desired level of richness.

To add a bit of heat to the dish, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste when adding the soy sauce.

This creates a balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile that complements the savory notes of the soy sauce perfectly. Adjust the amount of heat according to personal preference, starting with a small amount and increasing as needed.

Variations

• Garlic Ginger Sesame Chicken: Add two cloves of minced garlic and one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the slow cooker at the beginning. These aromatics deepen the flavor profile and add a delightful complexity to the classic sesame sauce.
• Vegetable Medley Sesame Chicken: Incorporate bite-sized pieces of bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots into the slow cooker along with the chicken. The vegetables will cook in the savory sauce, absorbing the flavors and adding vibrant color to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure leftovers are refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before placing it in the refrigerator to maintain food safety. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated through evenly, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the glaze has become too thick during storage.

This dish is perfect for preparing in advance. The flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep.

Simply follow the cooking instructions, allow the chicken to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat for a quick and convenient meal.

Serving ideas

Serve this sesame chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious, savory glaze. The simplicity of the rice provides a perfect canvas for the bold, sweet, and salty flavors of the chicken. Consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried snap peas to round out the meal with fresh, crisp textures.

For a lighter serving option, the chicken can be served over a bed of fresh greens or inside lettuce wraps. The combination of the warm, savory chicken and the cool, crisp lettuce creates a refreshing contrast that is perfect for a lighter dinner.

Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a professional finish that enhances the presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Sesame Chicken for Busy Weeknights

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Place the diced chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are spread out in an even layer to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Drizzle the honey over the chicken, followed by the soy sauce. Ensure the liquids cover the chicken pieces sufficiently. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the mixture before closing the lid.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving on a clean plate.

Contains: soy, gluten, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.