Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is your ultimate solution to craving those bold Asian-inspired takeout flavors right from your slow cooker. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce infused with honey, garlic, and sesame oil.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, need a comforting weeknight meal, or want to prep ahead for the week, this dish is a flavorful crowd-pleaser. Pair it with rice or steamed veggies, and top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for a picture-perfect presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Directions:

1. Place chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

3. Pour sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.

4. Cover and cook on low for 3.5–4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

6. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken: A Flavorful Takeout Classic Made Easy at Home

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is a beloved dish that brings all the irresistible flavors of your favorite Asian takeout straight into your home kitchen with the added convenience of a slow cooker. It’s a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami-rich notes, resulting in a comforting meal that’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and surprisingly easy to pull together.

Using the crock pot method, this recipe turns simple ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, hoisin, and sesame oil into a deeply flavorful dish with minimal effort. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender while slowly bathing in a thick, sticky sauce that’s rich, glossy, and deliciously aromatic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or anytime you’re craving the cozy satisfaction of Asian-inspired comfort food.

A Takeout Favorite with a Homemade Touch

Sesame Chicken is a dish that has earned its place among the top takeout orders across the U.S., and for good reason. It’s sweet, savory, and often has just the right hint of heat. Traditionally, sesame chicken is deep-fried and coated in a thick sauce, often resulting in a crunchy exterior and sticky glaze.

However, the Crock Pot version offers a healthier and more hands-off alternative. Instead of frying, the chicken is slow-cooked, which not only reduces the use of oil but also makes the meal less labor-intensive. The slow simmering allows all the flavors garlic, ginger, hoisin, honey, and soy to meld into a cohesive sauce that soaks into the chicken. The result is just as satisfying, if not more so, than the restaurant version.

Why the Crock Pot Method Works So Well

The magic of the crock pot lies in its ability to gently and gradually cook food, locking in moisture and intensifying flavors. In the case of sesame chicken, it transforms everyday ingredients into a bold, richly coated dish that tastes like it simmered all day because it did.

The chicken thighs used in this recipe are ideal for slow cooking. Unlike chicken breast, thighs are more forgiving and retain their juiciness during long cook times. They absorb flavor exceptionally well, becoming meltingly tender without falling apart into shreds (unless you want them to!).

The sauce thickens beautifully when a cornstarch slurry is added near the end of the cook, resulting in that iconic glossy, clingy coating that sesame chicken is known for. You can even adjust the thickness based on your preference just let it simmer uncovered in the last 20-30 minutes if you want a more concentrated glaze.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, Umami & a Touch of Heat

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is the perfect balance of flavors. The soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, while honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce. Hoisin sauce deepens the complexity with its slightly tangy and earthy notes, and sesame oil brings a distinctive nuttiness that ties the whole dish together.

For those who enjoy a little spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes offers a gentle kick that cuts through the sweetness. However, this is entirely optional, making the dish easily adaptable for kids or those sensitive to heat.

Garnishes like sesame seeds and sliced green onions add visual appeal and texture. Toasted sesame seeds bring a pleasant crunch and additional nutty flavor, while green onions give a pop of freshness that lifts the rich sauce.

Versatile Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. The most popular pairing is steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce and complements the tender chicken beautifully. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work well too.

You can also serve it over noodles rice noodles, lo mein, or even spaghetti in a pinch. To boost the nutritional value, consider serving the dish with a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers are great additions that not only add color but also fiber and crunch.

Another idea is to serve the chicken in lettuce wraps, offering a fresh, hand-held option that’s both fun and light. Top with extra sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.

Meal Prep Friendly & Perfect for Leftovers

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how well it holds up for meal prepping. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Because it’s so easy to portion and pair with rice or veggies, Crock Pot Sesame Chicken makes a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner for busy weeks. It’s also a great option for doubling and freezing half for later.

Healthier Than Traditional Fried Versions

While takeout sesame chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s often deep-fried and loaded with sugar and sodium. This homemade crock pot version is a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. By skipping the deep fryer and using lean chicken thighs, you reduce the fat content. You also have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the amount of honey or use low-sodium soy sauce if needed.

For even more health-conscious tweaks, you can add extra vegetables directly into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snow peas.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Use chicken thighs: They stay moist and flavorful during long cook times. Chicken breasts can dry out and become stringy in the slow cooker.

• Don’t skip the sesame oil: It’s a small addition, but it delivers a distinct aroma and flavor that’s essential to this dish.

• Add the slurry at the end: Mixing cornstarch with water and adding it in the final 30 minutes helps thicken the sauce to that restaurant-style consistency.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the honey slightly or add more soy sauce to balance the flavors.

• Garnish generously: The sesame seeds and green onions aren’t just for looks they elevate the final presentation and flavor profile.

A Family Favorite You’ll Make Again and Again

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken isn’t just convenient it’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly repeatable. It’s the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters, satisfies adults, and works for everything from weeknight dinners to meal prep Sundays.

Plus, it’s flexible. Want to make it gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Try it with tofu or tempeh and reduce the cooking time. You can even throw in a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables to make it a complete one-pot meal.

Conclusion:

In a world where takeout is tempting but cooking from home is healthier and more cost-effective, this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe hits the sweet spot. It brings the best of both worlds: the comforting, bold flavors of your favorite Asian restaurant dish and the wholesome satisfaction of a homemade meal.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or simply craving a warm, flavorful dish with minimal effort, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s a dish that keeps on giving.

So dust off your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delicious takeout-style dinner no delivery tip required.