Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken: Restaurant Quality, Effortless Prep

Introduction

Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality sesame chicken feast with this incredibly easy slow cooker recipe! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, yet requires minimal effort and time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken and a luscious, savory sauce. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Works

This recipe is a winner because it delivers authentic takeout-style sesame chicken flavor without the takeout price tag or long prep time. The slow cooker ensures incredibly tender and juicy chicken, while the simple sauce comes together in minutes. The ingredients are readily available, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution. It’s a crowd-pleaser that consistently impresses, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.

Key Ingredients

🍗 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🥣 1 cup chicken broth
🍯 ¼ cup honey
🍶 ¼ cup soy sauce
🍚 2 tbsp rice vinegar
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
芝麻 2 tbsp sesame oil
🌶️ 1 tbsp sesame seeds
🌱 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1️⃣ Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
3️⃣ Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4️⃣ Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5️⃣ Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6️⃣ Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it well in the sauce.
7️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
8️⃣ Add the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
9️⃣ Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
🔟 Serve over rice or noodles.

Handy Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
• Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts; they will be even more tender.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Heat Control

The slow cooker maintains a consistent, low heat, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist. Overcooking is unlikely in a slow cooker, but you can monitor the chicken’s doneness by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The sauce will thicken as it simmers, so adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Crunch Factor

While this recipe focuses on tender chicken and a flavorful sauce, you can add a crunch element by serving it over crispy noodles or topping it with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To save time, prep the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For easier cleanup, line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for potlucks or gifting! Package individual portions in attractive containers, perhaps adding a small garnish of sesame seeds. Tie a ribbon around the container for a touch of elegance.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Ginger Sesame Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
🌟 Garlic Sesame Chicken: Increase the amount of minced garlic to 4 cloves for a more intense garlic flavor.
🌟 Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Increase the honey to ½ cup for a sweeter and richer sauce.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Chicken: If the chicken is dry, it may have been overcooked. Next time, reduce the cooking time or use chicken thighs.
• Thin Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a longer time on low or add a little more cornstarch slurry.
• Clumpy Sauce: If the sauce is clumpy, make sure the cornstarch slurry is thoroughly whisked before adding it to the slow cooker.

FAQ

• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze leftover sesame chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Can I use different types of chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free? This recipe is already dairy-free.
• Can I scale this recipe up or down? Yes, you can easily double or halve this recipe to suit your needs.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! We hope you enjoy this recipe and that you’ll share it with your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor variations to create your own unique version of this delicious dish. Happy cooking!