Crockpot Sesame Chicken

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken offers a simple yet flavorful meal with tender chicken cooked in a rich homemade sesame sauce. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you want a comforting, hands-off dinner.

With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, this recipe creates a savory sauce that elevates the chicken and vegetables to a new level of deliciousness. The addition of red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color.

Serve it over sticky rice and steamed broccoli for a complete meal, and don’t forget to top with sesame seeds and green onion for added crunch and flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!

Crockpot Sesame Chicken – Ingredients

The rich, umami-packed soy sauce forms the foundation of the sauce, balancing the sweet notes from honey and tomato paste. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, creating a luscious, glossy texture.

Garlic and onion infuse the dish with aromatic depth, while crushed red pepper adds a touch of heat that perfectly complements the savory flavors. Boneless chicken, tender and juicy, soaks up the flavors, and vibrant red bell pepper introduces a mild sweetness and color to each bite.

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Recipe Tips

1. Adjust the Spice Level
   If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or leave it out entirely. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the spiciness. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences.
2. Maximize Flavor by Marinating
   For even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help the chicken absorb more of the delicious sauce, making each bite extra savory and flavorful. If you’re pressed for time, though, simply adding the ingredients to the slow cooker works just as well!
3. Consider Adding Vegetables
   To add more texture and nutrients to the dish, try tossing in additional vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. These can be added in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft and will complement the flavors of the sesame sauce beautifully.

What to Serve with Crockpot Sesame Chicken

1. Sticky White Rice
   Serve the Crockpot Sesame Chicken over a bed of sticky white rice. The rice soaks up the rich sesame sauce, creating a comforting base that balances the bold flavors of the chicken. It’s the perfect accompaniment, offering both texture and flavor in each bite.
2. Steamed Broccoli
   Pair this dish with steamed broccoli for a fresh, healthy side. The mild bitterness of broccoli complements the sweet and savory notes of the sesame sauce, making it the perfect contrast. You can even toss the steamed broccoli in the sauce for extra flavor.
3. Cauliflower Rice
   For a low-carb alternative to white rice, cauliflower rice makes an excellent option. It absorbs the sauce well, offering a lighter yet satisfying base for the sesame chicken. It’s a great way to enjoy the dish while keeping it healthy and light.

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FAQ

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be more tender and juicy, and they soak up the sauce even better, making the dish even more flavorful.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and follow the instructions. It’s a perfect meal prep option!
3. Can I freeze the Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
   Yes, this dish freezes well. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I make this recipe spicier?
   If you like more heat, feel free to add extra crushed red pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chili flakes. Adjust the spice level to suit your personal taste, and you’ll still enjoy the same delicious sesame flavor!

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Crockpot Sesame Chicken

This straightforward Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken, slow-cooked in a rich homemade sesame sauce. It’s the ideal “dump-and-go” dish for busy days, requiring minimal preparation while still offering an indulgent, flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course crockpot recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper adjust to taste
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
• Optional sides and toppings:
• Sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced green onion
• Sticky white rice
• Steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets

Instructions

 

• Begin by whisking the soy sauce and cornstarch together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
• Stir in the honey, tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper, blending them into the sauce mixture.
• Add the chicken pieces and sliced red bell pepper to the sauce, tossing until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Transfer the entire mixture into a slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 hours. You may extend the cooking time up to 6 hours if desired, although the chicken and bell peppers will become particularly tender.
• Serve the dish over a bed of rice and steamed broccoli, if desired. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.

Notes

For added flavor, gently toss freshly steamed broccoli in the sesame sauce before serving it over rice. This enhances the dish by incorporating more sauce into the vegetables.
This recipe is also suitable for make-ahead or freezing. Refer to the middle of the post for detailed instructions on how to prepare and store the meal in advance.

Keyword Crockpot Sesame Chicken