This Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish, balancing the sweetness of honey with the savory depth of sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. The tender, shredded chicken, combined with the silky, slightly thickened sauce, makes every bite irresistible.
The sesame seeds and green onions add a fresh crunch and aromatic finish, making this a meal that will leave everyone coming back for more. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a hands-off, comforting dinner that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables. You can even serve it in wraps or on a bed of greens for a lighter option.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crock pot, stirring to coat the chicken in the thickened sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 4-6 hours Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken
Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is the epitome of comfort food with an exotic twist. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce with the sweetness of honey, creating a dish that is both savory and sweet. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend meal, this slow-cooked chicken recipe does not require much hands-on time but delivers maximum flavor. The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it cooks in the Crock Pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Whether you are hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of slow-cooked meals like this one is that they allow for the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a deep, complex taste without much effort. Moreover, the ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Why Crock Pot Cooking Works So Well for This Recipe
Crock Pot or slow-cooker meals are fantastic for busy individuals or families because they simplify the cooking process and save time. When you cook in a Crock Pot, the slow and steady heat works its magic on the ingredients, tenderizing the meat and infusing the sauce throughout the dish. In the case of the Sesame Honey Chicken, the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken absorbs all the savory and sweet flavors of the sauce, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Unlike traditional stovetop or oven cooking, a Crock Pot doesn’t require constant monitoring. You simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow-cooking process work its magic. This hands-off cooking method allows you to focus on other tasks or simply relax, knowing that dinner is taken care of.
Flavors That Make This Dish Irresistible
The flavor profile of Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is what truly makes it stand out. The sesame oil and soy sauce create a savory base, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the richness of the sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger bring in aromatic, zesty notes that elevate the dish, while the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the mix.
The combination of these ingredients results in a well-rounded flavor that is savory, sweet, and a bit tangy. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, creating a dish that is bursting with complexity. And when paired with sesame seeds and green onions for garnish, this dish takes on a beautiful presentation, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
How to Customize This Recipe to Fit Your Tastes
One of the best things about Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is its versatility. While the recipe as written is a delicious option, it can easily be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For instance, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chili paste to the sauce for a more intense heat.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make the recipe gluten-free by substituting tamari for the soy sauce. You can also make it more suitable for a low-carb diet by serving it with cauliflower rice or a mix of roasted vegetables instead of regular rice. The chicken can also be swapped out for other proteins like pork or beef, although the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the cut of meat.
Additionally, if you love vegetables, this dish can be easily turned into a one-pot meal by adding in some veggies. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the Crock Pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions for Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. For a classic pairing, serve the chicken with steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, cauliflower rice is a great alternative. It provides a similar texture to rice but with fewer calories and carbs, making it a perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. You could also pair this dish with quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
For those who enjoy a little heat, you could serve the chicken with a side of kimchi, pickled vegetables, or spicy Sriracha sauce. These additions will complement the sweetness of the honey and the savoriness of the sesame oil, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is an excellent option for meal prepping. The recipe yields multiple servings, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for busy days. Once cooked, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the chicken sits in the sauce, so it tastes even better the next day.
If you want to store the chicken for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can also use the leftovers to make wraps, sandwiches, or stir-fries, giving you several meals from one batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken. It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters. The slow-cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out tender and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and perfectly seasoned.
This dish is ideal for meal prepping, family dinners, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. And because it’s made in the Crock Pot, it’s a hands-off recipe that lets you focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys flavorful, easy-to-make meals. Its sweet and savory flavor profile, combined with the convenience of slow cooking, makes it a perfect choice for busy nights or relaxed weekends. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization based on your preferences, dietary needs, and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort!