Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that makes mealtime effortless and satisfying. With its tender chicken coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe
You will quickly fall in love with this Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The convenience of using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld beautifully over time. This dish effortlessly transforms everyday dinner into an experience that feels special, as the combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame creates an enticing aroma that fills your home. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also a healthy option packed with protein. Plus, the versatility of serving it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables makes it adaptable to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients about Crockpot Sesame Chicken
To whip up this delightful Crockpot Sesame Chicken, you’ll 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
Gather these ingredients before you begin, making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken Directions
Creating your Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This step is crucial as it allows the juices from the chicken to mingle with the sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens; it’s the heart of the flavor profile in your Crockpot Sesame Chicken. Whisk it together until well blended, ensuring that the honey dissolves completely. Then, pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated.
After you’ve completed this step, cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
As you approach the end of the cooking time, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crockpot until it thickens. If you prefer, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, allowing it to soak up more of the sauce, or remove it, shred it on a separate plate, and return it to the pot.
When you’re ready to serve, spoon the tender chicken and sauce over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal. This meal is not only tasty but also creates a stunning presentation that you and your loved ones will appreciate.
How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Serving your Crockpot Sesame Chicken is as enjoyable as making it. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, which absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, or you can opt for steamed vegetables, providing a fresh and healthy contrast to the sweetness of the chicken.
To serve, ladle the shredded chicken over your chosen base—rice or vegetables—and be generous with the sauce. This is where you can truly elevate your dish. The aromatic sesame seeds make for a delightful garnish, adding crunch and an extra touch of elegance. For an even fresher flavor profile, consider adding finely sliced green onions as a topping.
While you can serve it as a main dish, you can also make it part of a more extensive Asian-inspired meal, complete with spring rolls or a light salad. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility, allowing you to customize each serving to suit your tastes.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Sesame Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Sesame Chicken, here are some expert tips. First, opt for chicken breasts, as they stay moist and tender during slow cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can work as well, offering a richer flavor.
Be mindful of the cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Setting the crockpot on low for the 6 to 8 hours ensures the meat stays juicy. If you are short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours is an alternative, but be vigilant to avoid overcooking.
When mixing your sauce, you can adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of honey based on your preference. If you like it spicier, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Lastly, when making the cornstarch slurry, ensure to mix it well to avoid clumps. Stirring continuously while adding it to the sauce helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture that beautifully coats the chicken.
How to Store Crockpot Sesame Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers, you can enjoy this dish later by properly storing it. Allow the Crockpot Sesame Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s best consumed within three months when frozen, though it can remain safe to eat beyond that timeframe.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results before reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Sesame Chicken
There are numerous ways to personalize your Crockpot Sesame Chicken to keep things exciting at mealtime. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken breast tenderloins instead of whole breasts. They cook faster and remain juicy while still soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
For a twist, you might want to experiment with different vegetables. Adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the crockpot can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while adding color and texture. Just be cautious about the timing; add the vegetables in the last hour of cooking so they remain crisp and vibrant.
If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try incorporating a tablespoon or two of peanut butter into the sauce for an extra layer of taste. For a citrusy zing, a splash of orange or lime juice can brighten up the dish, balancing the flavors beautifully.
You can also play around with different starches for serving. Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles can make delightful alternatives to traditional rice, offering unique textures and flavors that pair well with the chicken.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a savory mixture of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as it cooks slowly in a crockpot, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken.
How long do you cook Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
You should cook Crockpot Sesame Chicken on low for about 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cooking it on high for 3 to 4 hours will work, but be sure to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy while cooking, making them an excellent option for Crockpot Sesame Chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the Crockpot Sesame Chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the crockpot. Just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
Crockpot Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts Opt for chicken breasts for moisture, or chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust sweetness based on preference.
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mix with water to create a slurry.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish For an added crunch and presentation.
- Rice or steamed vegetables for serving Choose based on preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot with lid and set to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir it into the sauce once thickening is desired.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or remove, shred, and return it to the pot.
Serving
- Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions if desired.
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