Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent chicken bathed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey sesame sauce. This Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary feasts. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines the ease of slow cooking with restaurant-quality taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by trimming any excess fat and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better sauce adhesion.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined, creating a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared honey sesame sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the crock pot, mixing thoroughly to create a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs work best for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during the long, slow cooking process.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sauce Adhesion: Always dry your chicken thoroughly before cooking to help the marinade cling better and create a more flavorful dish.
- Layer Flavors Strategically: Mince your garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry Secret: Add the cornstarch mixture towards the end of cooking to achieve that restaurant-style glossy sauce without making it too thick.
- Garnish for Maximum Impact: Toasting sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even over zucchini noodles for a versatile meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
