Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is sweet, savory, sticky, and packed with cozy takeout style flavor. Tender chicken cooks low and slow in a rich honey sesame sauce that tastes amazing over rice and makes the perfect easy family dinner.
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Ingredients
- 2 –3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Chicken - Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Do not rush this step because seasoning the chicken first helps build flavor from the very beginning. I like laying the chicken out on a plate and making sure every piece gets evenly coated.
- Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor - Heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for about two to three minutes. You are not cooking the chicken through here. You just want a little golden color on the outside. That quick sear adds so much flavor and gives the finished dish a richer taste.
- Step 3: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker - Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Try not to stack the chicken too tightly so the sauce can coat everything evenly as it cooks.
- Step 4: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce - In a medium bowl whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. The smell alone at this point is enough to make you hungry. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure everything gets nicely coated.
- Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover and cook on low for four to six hours or on high for three to four hours. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, but you will know it is ready when the chicken becomes fork tender and easy to shred or slice. Around my house, this is usually the point where everyone starts wandering into the kitchen asking what smells so good.
- Step 6: Thicken the Sauce - In a small bowl stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour it into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the sauce. Let everything cook for another fifteen to twenty minutes so the sauce thickens into that glossy sticky texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Right before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve the chicken over warm rice and spoon plenty of that sauce over everything. Trust me, nobody wants to waste a drop of it.
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken thighs: Boneless skinless thighs can be used for even juicier chicken with richer flavor.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup works wonderfully if you are out of honey.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Great for controlling the saltiness while still keeping all the savory flavor.
- Garlic paste: Garlic paste can replace fresh minced garlic for convenience.
- Fresh ginger: Fresh grated ginger gives an even brighter flavor if you have some on hand.
Variations
- Spicy version: Stir in sriracha or chili paste if your family likes a little heat.
- Veggie loaded: Add broccoli or sliced bell peppers near the end of cooking for a complete one pot meal.
- Extra sticky sauce: Add a little extra honey for an even richer glaze.
- Orange twist: A splash of orange juice brightens the whole dish beautifully.
- Garlic lovers style: Double the garlic for a bold savory flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not skip the sear: Browning the chicken first adds a deeper richer flavor to the final dish.
- Thicken the sauce properly: Let the cornstarch mixture simmer long enough so the sauce turns glossy and thick.
- Use fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice soaks up the sauce perfectly and makes the meal even more comforting.
- Slice or shred carefully: The chicken becomes very tender so use a gentle hand when serving.
- Taste before serving: Depending on your soy sauce brand you may want a tiny drizzle more honey or soy sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Over steamed rice: The rice soaks up every bit of that sweet savory sauce beautifully.
- With roasted broccoli: Broccoli pairs perfectly with the sesame flavors and adds freshness.
- Alongside noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with noodles for a fun takeout inspired dinner.
- With stir fried vegetables: A side of snap peas, carrots, or peppers rounds out the meal perfectly.
- As lettuce wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for later: This chicken freezes well for up to two months.
- Prep ahead: You can whisk the sauce ingredients together the night before to save time.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe for easy future dinners because this meal disappears fast.
Private Notes
Servings: 6 servings
