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Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet savory homemade sauce that tastes even better than takeout. Easy enough for busy weeknights and always a family favorite served over rice.
Print Recipe
Delicious chicken parmesan topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served over creamy mashed p.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 –3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Step 1: Season the Chicken - Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nicer sear later on. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the chicken. Nothing fancy here, just good simple seasoning that lays the foundation for all the flavor later.
  • Step 2: Sear the Chicken - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about two to three minutes per side. You are not cooking them all the way through here. You just want that golden color on the outside. That quick sear adds a ton of flavor and helps lock in the juices. Trust me, your kitchen is already going to smell amazing at this point.
  • Step 3: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker - Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Try to lay them in a single layer if possible so everything cooks evenly. Even if you are in a hurry, taking this extra minute to sear the chicken first really makes the final dish taste richer and more homemade.
  • Step 4: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce - In a medium bowl whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. The sauce should smell sweet, savory, and slightly nutty from the sesame oil. Pour the mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure everything gets coated nicely.
  • Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for four to six hours or high for three to four hours. The chicken should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so start checking toward the earlier cooking time if your slow cooker cooks hot.
  • Step 6: Thicken the Sauce - In a small bowl stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour that mixture into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the sauce. Let everything cook for another fifteen to twenty minutes so the sauce thickens into that beautiful glossy coating. This step is what gives the dish that takeout style texture everybody loves.
  • Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Right before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve the chicken hot over fluffy rice with plenty of extra sauce spooned on top. Around our house there is never enough sauce, so I always make sure every bowl gets an extra ladle.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and add even more flavor.
  • Maple syrup instead of honey: Maple syrup gives the sauce a deeper sweeter flavor that works beautifully.
  • Low sodium soy sauce: A great option if you want to control the salt level a little more.
  • Garlic paste instead of minced garlic: Perfect for busy nights when you need an easy shortcut.
  • Fresh ginger instead of ground ginger: Fresh ginger adds a brighter more vibrant flavor.

Variations

  • Spicy honey sesame chicken: Stir in sriracha or chili paste for a sweet heat flavor.
  • Veggie loaded version: Add broccoli or sliced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
  • Extra sticky sauce: Add a little more honey for an even richer glaze.
  • Orange sesame chicken: A splash of orange juice gives the sauce a fresh citrus twist.
  • Garlic lovers version: Double the garlic for bold savory flavor.

Tips and Tricks

  • Do not skip the sear: Browning the chicken first builds deeper flavor in the finished dish.
  • Let the sauce thicken fully: Give the cornstarch mixture time to work so the sauce gets glossy and rich.
  • Use fresh green onions: They brighten up the whole dish right before serving.
  • Cook low when possible: Low heat keeps the chicken extra tender and juicy.
  • Serve with rice: Rice soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Serving Ideas

  • Steamed white rice: The classic choice because it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
  • Jasmine rice: Adds a lightly fragrant flavor that pairs beautifully with sesame and honey.
  • Steamed broccoli: A simple veggie side that balances the sweet sauce perfectly.
  • Lo mein noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with noodles for a fun twist.
  • Roasted green beans: The fresh flavor works wonderfully with the sticky honey glaze.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Add moisture when reheating: A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce when warming leftovers.
  • Freeze for later: This chicken freezes well for up to two months in a freezer safe container.
  • Make rice fresh: Fresh rice tastes best when serving leftovers the next day.
  • Prep ingredients ahead: You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before to save time the next day.
Servings: 6 servings