Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a savory and sweet dish, perfect for busy nights. The chicken is cooked to tender perfection in a flavorful sesame soy sauce, creating a dish that’s rich in taste yet simple to prepare. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it offers a burst of texture and color to the dish. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil makes for a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll want to pour over rice or noodles. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious meal for the whole family. It’s a versatile dish, and you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
6. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to coat the chicken in the thickened sauce.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Family-Friendly Meal

If you’re looking for a meal that combines savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice, Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a dish you definitely need to try. This slow cooker recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for busy families. Whether you’re trying to make a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The History of Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in many households, especially in the United States. The dish is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that are battered, fried, and then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and other flavorful ingredients. The dish gets its name from the toasted sesame seeds that are sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding texture and flavor.

While sesame chicken is often associated with Chinese cuisine, its roots are actually in the United States, where it was adapted to cater to American tastes. Traditional Chinese cooking uses sesame seeds in a variety of dishes, but the deep-fried, saucy version we know today was likely created by Chinese-American chefs in the mid-20th century, during the rise of Chinese takeout restaurants across America.

The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

One of the major advantages of making Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is the use of a slow cooker. Slow cookers are kitchen appliances designed to cook food at low temperatures for extended periods, making them perfect for busy families. Here are some of the reasons why you should use a slow cooker for this dish:

1. Set It and Forget It
   With a slow cooker, you can simply prepare the ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do all the work. No need to stand over the stove or constantly monitor the dish. You can go about your day while the Crock Pot works its magic, cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
2. Tender and Flavorful Chicken
   Slow cooking allows the flavors to really infuse into the meat. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the savory sauce, and every bite is packed with flavor. This method of cooking also helps to break down the chicken fibers, making it easier to shred and incorporate into the sauce.
3. Convenience
   With a slow cooker, you can prepare your ingredients in the morning or even the night before and let the Crock Pot do the rest while you’re at work or running errands. When you come home, dinner is ready to be served with minimal effort.
4. Versatility
   The beauty of slow cooking is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the level of sweetness or spice in the sauce, and even experiment with different proteins. Slow cookers also allow you to make larger portions, which is perfect for feeding a big family or meal prepping for the week.

How to Make Crock Pot Sesame Chicken Even Better

While the basic Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few tips to enhance the dish:

1. Adjust the Sauce for Personal Taste
   The sesame sauce in this recipe is naturally sweet, thanks to the honey, but if you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha. If you want a thicker sauce, consider adding a bit more cornstarch to the slurry mixture. Experimenting with the sauce is a great way to tailor this dish to your specific preferences.
2. Add Vegetables
   Sesame chicken is typically served with rice, but you can make the dish even healthier by adding some vegetables to the Crock Pot. Try adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. These vegetables will soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.
3. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor
   While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe, chicken thighs will add even more flavor due to their higher fat content. Thighs will become extra tender during slow cooking and bring a richer taste to the dish. Plus, they’re often more affordable than chicken breasts!
4. Top with Fresh Herbs
   Once the sesame chicken is cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts nicely with the savory sauce.
5. Pair with Rice or Noodles
   Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice or noodles. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, creating the perfect bite with every spoonful. For a healthier option, consider serving the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Why Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a Family-Friendly Meal

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is not just about great taste; it’s also a fantastic option for families. Here’s why:

1. Minimal Prep Time
   One of the best things about this recipe is how little prep time it requires. Most of the work involves adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, making it a simple and stress-free meal for busy parents. You can easily prepare the dish in the morning and come home to a hot, ready meal.
2. Kid-Friendly Flavor
   The sweet and savory sauce in Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a hit with kids. The mild flavors are not too spicy, making it a great option for younger eaters who may be sensitive to strong spices. The chicken is also easy to shred, making it perfect for younger children to enjoy.
3. Leftovers for the Next Day
   Crock Pot Sesame Chicken makes great leftovers! The chicken becomes even more flavorful the next day as the sauce continues to marinate the meat. Simply reheat it and serve it again with fresh rice or noodles, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s just as good as the first time around.
4. Customizable to Dietary Preferences
   Whether your family follows gluten-free, low-carb, or paleo diets, Crock Pot Sesame Chicken can be easily adapted. You can swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or use a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re cutting back on sugar. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for households with varying dietary needs.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is the perfect solution for anyone looking to make a delicious and hassle-free meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the convenience of slow cooking with the irresistible flavors of sesame, honey, and garlic, making it a go-to dish for families, busy professionals, and anyone who loves easy, flavorful meals. Plus, the ability to customize the recipe and experiment with different ingredients makes it a dish that never gets boring.

So, the next time you need a meal that’s quick to prep, delicious, and perfect for the whole family, give Crock Pot Sesame Chicken a try. Not only will you enjoy the flavors, but you’ll also love the time saved in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the ones you love.