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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

slow cooker honey sesame chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (15 ml)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams), mixed with cold water for thickening
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (9 grams)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or splash of sriracha for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels and place evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water or chicken broth until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker without stirring.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken and transfer to a serving dish.
  6. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stir, and cook on high uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken on the serving dish.
  8. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions.
  9. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to help sauce stick and prevent watery results. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature and moisture. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce after cooking. For extra caramelization, broil sauced chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, watching closely to avoid burning. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste. Can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey sesame chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crockpot chicken, honey sauce, sesame oil, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-sesame-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-weeknight-dinners/