This slow cooker honey sesame chicken is one of those easy dinners I love having on repeat. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender, then gets coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce that’s rich, sticky, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.
What I love most about this recipe is how little effort it takes. Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work while you get on with your day. It’s a great alternative to takeout, and the leftovers are just as good the next day for an easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
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How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Mix cornstarch and water and stir into the slow cooker sauce.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch and water and stir into the slow cooker sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer extra flavor and juicy, tender meat.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. It helps create a thick, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- After adding the cornstarch mixture, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so it can fully thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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