Crockpot Sesame Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular choice among home cooks. With its tender and juicy chicken, coated in a luscious sesame sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. The beauty of using a crockpot lies in its ability to allow flavors to meld and develop while you go about your day. Just set it and forget it, and return to a home filled with mouthwatering aromas and a warm, satisfying meal.
Why We Love This Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it also delivers on flavor. The marriage of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a smooth, rich sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Cooking it slowly ensures that the chicken remains moist and succulent. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, making it a great fit for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients about Crockpot Sesame Chicken
To create this flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Rice or steamed vegetables for serving
How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a straightforward process that requires minimal preparation. Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. These will be the base for the dish, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce as they cook.
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. This combination will form the sauce that elevates your chicken. Stir the ingredients well, ensuring that the honey is well incorporated into the liquid.
Once your mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is coated thoroughly for the best flavor. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for six to eight hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious sauce and become incredibly tender.
As the chicken nears the end of cooking, prepare to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Once combined, stir this slurry into the sauce within the crockpot. Allow it to cook a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
When your chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot or remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred it, and then return it to the sauce. This step allows every bite to be coated in that wonderful sesame sauce.
After shredding, give everything a gentle stir to ensure the chicken is well mixed with the sauce. Then, it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Serving your Crockpot Sesame Chicken can be as easy or as intricate as you desire. A great way to enjoy this dish is by serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice acts not only as a good side but also as a canvas to soak up the rich sauce.
If you want to add a bit of color and nutrition, consider steaming some seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas. The crunch and freshness of the vegetables pair well with the savory chicken, creating a balanced meal.
For a bit of crunch and added flavor, garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds right before serving. This adds a lovely finish and enhances the presentation. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Sesame Chicken
To elevate your Crockpot Sesame Chicken, there are a few tips you can apply.
First, choose good quality chicken breasts. Organic or free-range chicken often has better flavor and texture.
Next, don’t be afraid to add additional vegetables. Bell peppers, sliced onions, or even mushrooms can be included in the crockpot along with the chicken, allowing them to absorb the delicious sauce as well.
You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by altering the amount of honey to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha can be added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Another handy tip is to use leftover chicken for quick meals during the week. This chicken works beautifully in wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
How to Store Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Storing your Crockpot Sesame Chicken is simple and convenient. Once you have allowed it to cool slightly, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
If you have made a larger batch and want to preserve it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. It can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Variation of Crockpot Sesame Chicken
While the classic version of Crockpot Sesame Chicken is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to put your twist on it.
For a teriyaki-inspired variation, swap out the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and add some pineapple chunks to the crockpot. This addition brings a delightful sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish.
If you’re in the mood for a fruity kick, consider adding orange juice and zest to the sauce. The citrus enhances the flavor and adds a refreshing note.
For those who appreciate a bit of heat, you could try a spicy sesame chicken variation by incorporating chili sauce or diced jalapeños. This adds a robust flavor profile sure to please spicy food lovers.
Additionally, you can replace chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and can withstand longer cooking times without drying out.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, savory soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. It results in tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
You should cook Crockpot Sesame Chicken on low for about 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you might need to adjust the cooking time and ensure that the chicken reaches the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F.
What should I serve with Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
It’s great served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.
Can I make Crockpot Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts Use good quality, organic or free-range for better flavor.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Can be swapped for teriyaki sauce for a variation.
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Sesame seeds for garnish For added flavor and presentation.
- Rice or steamed vegetables for serving Fluffy white rice works well.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Thickening the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and allow to cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Shredding and Serving
- Shred the chicken using two forks either in the crockpot or on a cutting board, then return to the sauce.
- Stir everything gently to ensure the chicken is mixed with the sauce.
- Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds.
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