Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Honey-Sesame Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 1 review
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

This Slow Cooker Honey-Sesame Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Infused with garlic, ginger, and a blend of tamari, honey, ketchup, and toasted sesame oil, it results in a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for a hearty family meal. Served over white rice and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this recipe brings together a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Sauce and Marinade

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Thickening and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon tapioca or arrowroot flour
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Prepared white rice (for serving)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In the bottom of a slow cooker, whisk together the minced garlic, ginger matchsticks, low-sodium tamari, honey, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful base.
  2. Add and season the chicken: Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce ensuring they are coated evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or alternatively, cook on high for 4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  3. Set chicken aside: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the chicken breasts carefully to a baking sheet and set aside. Reduce the slow cooker heat to the keep warm setting to maintain the sauce temperature.
  4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of water with the tapioca or arrowroot flour to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, enhancing its texture.
  5. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker and gently toss to coat the pieces thoroughly with the sauce.
  6. Add sesame seeds and rest: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and toss gently once more. Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the juices saturate the meat.
  7. Serve: Spoon the honey-sesame chicken and generously ladle the sauce over prepared white rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the tamari used is certified gluten-free.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Use arrowroot flour as an alternative thickener if tapioca is not available.
  • Serving this dish over brown rice increases fiber content and adds a nuttier flavor.
  • To reduce sugar, you can substitute honey with a lower glycemic sweetener, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/slow-cooker-honey-sesame-chicken-recipe/