Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
This Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is an easy, comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a savory-sweet, sticky sesame sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and lets the flavors meld while you relax or work. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a family-friendly dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 30 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce)
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for lower salt)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Thickening & Garnish
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs or breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined to form a flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces into the crock pot, pour the sauce mixture over them, and toss to coat all pieces evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: Before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, stir it into the crock pot, and cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or as desired.
Notes
- Thighs are preferred for juicier results, but breasts work if cooked carefully to avoid drying out.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s key for achieving that perfect sticky, restaurant-style sauce.
- Fresh garlic and ginger brighten the flavor much more than pre-made sauces.
- If excess liquid accumulates, remove the crock pot lid near the end of cooking to concentrate flavors by evaporating some moisture.
- Combine the chicken and sauce the night before to deepen the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: sesame chicken, crock pot chicken, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, family meal, sticky chicken