There’s something magical about the aroma of a meal simmering in a slow cooker. It fills your home with warmth and comfort, making dinnertime feel effortless. Among all the slow cooker recipes, Sesame Chicken stands out as a star. Sweet, savory, and slightly nutty, this dish is inspired by classic Chinese takeout but made healthier, easier, and far more budget-friendly at home.
Instead of waiting for delivery, you can prepare this dish with minimal effort and enjoy the same sticky, flavorful sauce clinging to tender bites of chicken. The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple pantry ingredients into a dish that tastes like it took hours of hands-on cooking.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making slow cooker sesame chicken. From the ingredient breakdown and step-by-step instructions to variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions, this guide will equip you with all the tools to make a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
This dish isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s the kind that makes you skip takeout menus and head straight for your crockpot. Here’s why:
- Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Family-friendly flavors: The sticky-sweet sauce is loved by both kids and adults.
- Better than takeout: Healthier ingredients, no deep frying, and customizable sweetness.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
- Versatile: Works well with rice, noodles, or veggies for endless serving options.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual dinner party, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Cooking sesame chicken at home doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch, for coating
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for searing)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening at the end)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this recipe is simple, but taking a little extra care with each step ensures the best flavor and texture.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
- Toss them lightly in cornstarch until coated. This step helps create a slightly crisp exterior and allows the sauce to cling beautifully later.
Step 2: Optional Browning for Flavor
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden brown.
- You don’t need to cook them through—this step just adds depth to the flavor.
👉 Skipping this step still works fine if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
This sauce strikes a balance between sweet, tangy, savory, and nutty flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook:
- On LOW for 3–4 hours
- On HIGH for 2–2.5 hours
Avoid overcooking, as chicken can dry out if left too long.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce.
- Cover and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Best Ways to Serve Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is versatile, and pairing it with the right sides elevates the whole meal. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice – The most classic pairing.
- Brown rice or quinoa – A healthier alternative.
- Rice noodles or lo mein – Perfect for noodle lovers.
- Cauliflower rice – Great for low-carb or keto diets.
- Stir-fried veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work well.
- Spring rolls or potstickers – Turn dinner into an Asian-inspired feast.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
To make sure your dish turns out restaurant-quality every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results. They stay tender and flavorful even after slow cooking.
- Don’t skip cornstarch. It gives the sauce its signature glossy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. For a less sweet dish, reduce honey or sugar slightly.
- Double the sauce. If you love extra saucy dishes, double the sauce ingredients and save some for drizzling over rice.
- Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the joys of cooking at home is customizing recipes. Here are some tasty variations:
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili paste.
- Pineapple Sesame Chicken: Toss in a cup of pineapple chunks for sweetness.
- Veggie-Boosted Version: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last 45 minutes.
- Peanut Sesame Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap ketchup for sugar-free, reduce sugar, and serve with cauliflower rice.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezer Tips
Meal prepping with this recipe is simple.
- Make Ahead: Combine raw chicken and sauce in a freezer bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before slow cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Cooked Chicken: Freeze cooked portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
👉 Values will vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw first. Cooking frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and safety issues.
2. Do I have to brown the chicken?
No, but browning adds more flavor and texture. If you’re in a rush, skip it.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but breasts are leaner and may dry out more easily. Keep cooking time shorter.
4. Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. Reduce honey or sugar for a less sweet version.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 6-quart slow cooker and extend cook time slightly if needed.
6. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can skip it, but sesame oil gives the dish its signature flavor.
7. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add an extra cornstarch slurry and let it cook uncovered for a few minutes.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—just add them in the last 30–45 minutes so they don’t turn mushy.
9. What’s the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s?
Sesame chicken is sweeter and nuttier, while General Tso’s is spicier and tangier.
10. Can I meal prep with this recipe?
Absolutely. Store in individual containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is proof that you don’t need takeout menus to enjoy bold, flavorful meals at home. With just a few pantry staples, a slow cooker, and about 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of a busy week, or simply craving a comforting bowl of sticky, saucy chicken over rice, this recipe delivers. The customizable variations make it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, and the slow cooker guarantees an effortless cooking experience.
