Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Posted on September 15, 2025

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while you focus on other things.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the magic while you carry on with your day.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich taste that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles, or even in wraps for a delicious lunch option.
Family-Friendly Dish: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and savory meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or freeze portions for later use.

Tools and Preparation

To create this easy Crockpot Sesame Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items ahead of time will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, resulting in tender meat and flavorful sauce without constant supervision.
Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together sauces without any mess or fuss.
Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well combined for an even flavor throughout your dish.

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 your slow cooker.

Step 2: Whisk Together Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. low sodium soy sauce
2. ketchup
3. honey
4. sesame oil
5. minced garlic
6. black pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using).

Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for:
– 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2½ hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
If using boneless chicken thighs:
– Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–4 hours.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken to a clean bowl or cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together:
1. cornstarch
2. water

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

Step 6: Combine

Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker, mixing well to combine everything.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Sesame Chicken!

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a meal or just looking for a quick dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy brown or white rice for a classic and filling meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with the sesame chicken, adding extra crunch with shredded carrots and cucumbers.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

Pair the chicken with stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition.

On Noodles

Toss the sesame chicken with cooked noodles, like lo mein or udon, for a hearty twist on the traditional dish.

As a Salad Topping

Use the shredded chicken as a flavorful topping for mixed greens, drizzling with extra soy sauce or sesame dressing.

In Tacos

Create unique tacos by filling soft tortillas with sesame chicken and garnishing with diced onions and cilantro for added flavor.

How to Perfect Crockpot Sesame Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor compared to breasts.
Marinate longer: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference; less honey gives it a more savory profile.
Thicken sauce effectively: Mix cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Add vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
Don’t rush cooking time: For best results, follow the recommended cooking times to ensure tender and flavorful chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its sweet and savory flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Steamed Broccoli
Perfectly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the dish.
Fried Rice
A flavorful fried rice made with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs enhances the Asian-inspired theme of this meal.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
Garlic Green Beans
Sautéed green beans with garlic bring an aromatic touch that pairs well with sesame chicken’s flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf
Nutty quinoa pilaf offers a healthy grain alternative that complements the dish without overpowering it.
Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies add delicious crunch and texture alongside your main dish.
Miso Soup
A light miso soup serves as an excellent starter that prepares your palate for the flavors ahead.
Asian Slaw
A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds both flavor and texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can result in less flavor. To avoid this, ensure you cover the chicken completely with sauce before cooking.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Packing too much chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for optimal results.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture and safety. Always check that chicken reaches 165° F.
Not Thickening the Sauce: Forgetting to thicken the sauce can leave it watery. Use cornstarch mixed with water at the end of cooking for a perfect consistency.
Serving Without Garnish: Serving without sesame seeds and green onions misses an opportunity for visual appeal and extra flavor. Always add these before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the chicken to cool before sealing it tightly.

Freezing Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Consider portioning into smaller bags for easy reheating.

Reheating Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

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

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute with turkey or lamb if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat selected.

How do I customize my Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Crockpot Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, steamed veggies, or noodles for a complete meal experience.

How long does it take to cook?

Cooking time varies between low (3-4 hours) and high (1½-2½ hours). Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be customized with various ingredients to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors over rice or noodles!