Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Its unique flavor profile and simplicity make it a favorite among slow cooker meals, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Sauce: The blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice or noodles, and add your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste, making it a hit for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and leftovers; just reheat for an easy lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Crockpot Sesame Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing sauces without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures that ingredients combine smoothly, preventing clumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Sesame Chicken has tender shredded chicken in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Serve it over rice and topped with sesame seeds. One of the easiest slow cooker recipes!

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
– ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– cooked brown or white rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions (for serving)

How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The low sodium soy sauce
2. Ketchup
3. Honey
4. Sesame oil
5. Minced garlic
6. Black pepper
7. Red pepper flakes (if using)

Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for:
– 3 to 4 hours if using chicken breasts
– or high for 1½ to 2½ hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If using boneless chicken thighs, cook on low for:
– 4 to 6 hours
– or high for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken to a clean bowl or cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

While the chicken rests, stir together:
1. The cornstarch
2. Water

Pour this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delicious Crockpot Sesame Chicken over warm rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch! Enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Enhancing its flavor and presentation can elevate your meal, making it perfect for any occasion.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, complementing the flavors perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fresh and crunchy option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the shredded chicken. Add some crunchy vegetables for extra texture.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a comforting pasta dish. You can use rice noodles or egg noodles, depending on your preference.

As a Salad Topping

• Use the sesame chicken as a topping for mixed greens or spinach. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch.

In Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with the shredded chicken and top with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

On Skewers

• For a fun twist, thread pieces of chicken onto skewers and grill them briefly. This adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sesame sauce.

How to Perfect Crockpot Sesame Chicken

To get the best results from your Crockpot Sesame Chicken, consider these handy tips:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken will enhance the overall taste and texture of your dish.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust sweetness with more honey or tanginess by adding lemon juice if desired. Taste as you go!
• Use Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This helps control sodium levels while still providing that essential umami flavor.
• Thicken Sauce Carefully: Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to prevent lumps in your sauce; this ensures a smooth consistency.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking enhances flavor absorption.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different garnishes such as chopped nuts or sliced radishes to add extra flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Sesame Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that adds color and nutrition; steam until bright green and tender.
2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice mixed with vegetables complements the chicken nicely; toss in leftover rice for quick prep.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quickly stir-fry seasonal vegetables in sesame oil for a healthy side that matches the Asian theme.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in vinegar and sesame oil provides crunch and balances out the dish.
5. Garlic Green Beans: Sauté green beans in garlic until tender-crisp; they add a vibrant pop of color to your plate.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy quinoa cooked with broth makes an excellent base to soak up extra sauce from the chicken.
7. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup brings comfort; it’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with Asian flavors.
8. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a light alternative that complements the rich flavors of sesame chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Sesame Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much salt: High sodium soy sauce can overpower the dish. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can lead to uneven flavors. Take the time to shred it finely for better sauce absorption.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to recommended cooking times for tender results.
• Skipping the cornstarch step: Neglecting to thicken the sauce may result in a soupy consistency. Always mix cornstarch with water and let it thicken before serving.
• Ignoring garnishes: Skipping sesame seeds and green onions misses an opportunity for added flavor and presentation. Always garnish before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, often served over rice.

How can I customize my Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include sriracha sauce to increase the heat level according to your taste preference.

What should I serve with Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

Serve it over rice, but you can also pair it with quinoa or noodles for a different base option.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also deliciously versatile. Its sweet and savory flavors make it a hit at any dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides to make it your own!

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