Name: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486003H43M31S
Ingredients: – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; – 1 cup honey; – ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); – ¼ cup rice vinegar; – 2 tablespoons sesame oil; – 1 tablespoon minced garlic; – 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); – ¼ cup cornstarch; – ¼ cup water; – 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; – 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a wonderfully delicious dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, all while being incredibly convenient. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich taste and tender texture of the chicken, coupled with the honey-sesame sauce, make it a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a meal for yourself, this dish will certainly impress!
Imagine arriving home after a long day, greeted by the delightful aroma of honey sesame chicken wafting through the house. The anticipation builds as you set the table, knowing that your slow cooker has done all the hard work for you. With its incredible taste and easy preparation, this dish is a game changer for any home cook.
In this guide, you will discover why you’ll love this incredible recipe, the preparation and cooking times involved, a detailed list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions for making the dish, and creative serving suggestions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing slow cooker recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Here are just a few:
1. Minimal Preparation: With just a few simple steps needed for prep, you can have this dish cooking while you attend to other tasks.

2. Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the chicken to soak in all the wonderfully sweet and tangy flavors.

3. Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and free from preservatives, this dish serves as an excellent option for health-conscious families.

4. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or salad for a meal that caters to different tastes.

5. Family-Friendly: With its sweet sauce balanced by subtle spices, kids will love it as much as adults do.

6. Great for Meal Prep: The recipe doubles easily; perfect if you want to prepare meals for the week.
These points highlight just how incredible this dish is. With rich flavors and a simple cooking process, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing and cooking Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken doesn’t require much time, making it perfect for a busy schedule. Here’s the breakdown:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high
– Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours, depending on your preferred cooking setting
This time-efficient recipe is perfect for those who still want to enjoy a homemade meal in the evening without investing hours of effort.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup honey
– ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
– ¼ cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– ¼ cup water
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is easy if you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.

3. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

6. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it. Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes.

7. Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring well to combine it with the thickened sauce.

8. Serve: Prepare to serve topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
These straightforward steps will guide you in creating an incredible dish without fuss.

How to Serve

Serving Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Over Rice: Spoon the honey sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. This allows the rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying meal.
2. With Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish.
3. On a Salad: Serve over mixed greens for a lighter option. Drizzle with extra sauce for flavor.
4. Garnishes: Enhance the dish with additional toppings like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or sliced radishes for a pop of color.
5. Beverage Pairing: Serve with iced tea or a light Asian beer to complement the flavors.
By taking the time to present and serve this meal thoughtfully, you’re not just feeding others—you’re creating a truly memorable dining experience.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is an absolutely amazing recipe that combines ease with flavor. Whether you opt for rice or salad as a base, your family will love this comforting dish. With its satisfying taste and uncomplicated preparation, you will find yourself making this recipe again and again! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavors of your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, making it even more delicious.
– Adjust the Spice Level: If your family prefers a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
– Experiment with Sauces: For a different twist, consider adding barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce to complement the honey flavor.
– Serve with Fresh Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour for an easy veggie boost.
– Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings—crushed peanuts or cilantro can add excellent texture and flavor.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to put your own spin on Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
2. Add Some Crunch: Incorporate chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Sweet Chili Alternative: Swap out honey for sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile that’s equally delightful.
4. Add Pineapple: Include chunks of fresh or canned pineapple for a sweet and tangy addition that brightens the dish.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they should stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
– Freezing: To freeze, portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment

You won’t need too many special tools to prepare this recipe, but here are a few essentials:
– Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! Choose a size that suits your family’s needs.
– Meat Thermometer: For ensuring your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature (165°F).
– Medium Bowl: For mixing the sauce ingredients together.
– Forks: Useful for shredding the cooked chicken easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but note that chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Consider adjusting cooking time and adding a bit more liquid.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check other ingredients for gluten content.
→ Can I skip the corn starch step?
You can skip this step if you prefer a thinner sauce; however, the corn starch helps thicken and enrich the flavor.
→ How can I spice it up further?
Incorporate a bit of chili garlic sauce or additional red pepper flakes in the sauce for increased heat.
→ Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, served with convenience and charm. This dish not only nurtures your taste buds but also simplifies weeknight meals, making it ideal for the busy home cook. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe offers endless possibilities for variation and creativity. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this comforting dish time and again. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, and impress your family and friends with this delightful meal!

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe