Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
One of the easiest and most delicious slow cooker recipes I have ever made!
One of the easiest and most delicious slow cooker recipes I have ever made!
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- sesame seeds
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thighs would be fine too)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (could also use olive oil or canola
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional - doesn't really add
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 tablespoons water
- Carbohydrate 191.470448943489 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.58117390355237 g
- Fiber 45.6986246631222 g
- Protein 28.5165444478638 g
- Saturated Fat 0.875870509414216 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1916g)
- Sodium 245.475077419376 mg
- Sugar 145.771824280366 g
- Trans Fat 2.70418669273375 g
- Calories 688 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put into crock pot.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
- You can also sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top if you want more heat.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners. This Honey Sesame Chicken is a prime example; it’s so simple, yet unbelievably flavorful. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving me free to focus on my family and other essential tasks. The result? A tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce that everyone loves. It's become a regular in our dinner rotation, and I'm confident it'll become a staple in yours too.
What I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. Don't like a lot of heat? Simply omit the red pepper flakes or add a tiny pinch. Want some extra kick? Add a few more flakes after the cooking is complete. I often serve this over rice, but it's equally delicious with noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The leftovers are just as good the next day, making it a perfect recipe for meal prepping. Honestly, I can’t recommend this recipe highly enough. It’s a lifesaver for busy families like mine.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples, easily accessible at any grocery store. There's no need for specialized equipment or complicated techniques. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This allows you to spend your precious time doing other things you enjoy, without compromising on a delicious, home-cooked meal. One of my favorite things about using a slow cooker is the wonderful aroma that permeates the house as it cooks. It creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for a family dinner.
Beyond the convenience, the flavor of this Honey Sesame Chicken is truly exceptional. The honey provides a beautiful sweetness that perfectly balances the savory soy sauce and the subtle pungency of the garlic and ginger. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the dish to a whole new level. The chicken itself is incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to the slow cooking process. It's a dish that's both satisfying and comforting, perfect for a chilly evening or a relaxing weekend brunch.
I often find myself adapting this recipe to fit whatever ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I add a splash of rice vinegar for a touch of extra acidity, or I might throw in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies. The possibilities are endless! And the best part is, every variation I try turns out delicious. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to put your own personal spin on it. This makes it even more special and enjoyable to prepare.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty weeknight dinner, I urge you to try this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken. Trust me, it's a game-changer. It's the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and versatility, making it a true winner in my book. And believe me, with the ease of preparation and the incredible results, it will quickly become a family favorite in your home too.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust the cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce isn't thick enough after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Get creative with your sides: Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, quinoa, or your favorite vegetable.
- Make it a meal prep star: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
