Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe: How to Make

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Serves: 4
Calories per serving: ~300 kcal

Easy. Savory. Slow-cooked perfection.

Craving a cozy, Asian-inspired dinner that practically cooks itself? This crockpot sesame chicken is your no-fuss, all-flavor solution. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your dinner guests ask for seconds—without you standing over a stove.

This slow cooker recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a savory-sweet, sesame-glazed chicken dish that’s tender, juicy, and better than takeout. And the best part? You just toss, stir, and let the crockpot work its magic.

Why You’ll Love It

Effortless prep – Ready in under 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Bold flavor – The slow cooker intensifies the sweet, salty, gingery sauce.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults love it equally.
Meal prep win – Stores and reheats like a dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt + pepper
Cornstarch (for a slight crisp texture)

For the sesame sauce:

Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Honey
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Fresh garlic and ginger
Toasted sesame seeds
Optional: a splash of water or chicken broth for thinning

Garnishes (optional but delicious):

Chopped green onions
Extra sesame seeds
Cilantro

Simple Steps to Make It

Prep your chicken – Pat dry, season, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Optional: Lightly brown chicken in a skillet for extra flavor.
Make the sauce – Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Combine in crockpot – Add chicken and pour sauce over it. Stir to coat.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until tender.
Garnish and serve over steamed rice or veggies.

What to Serve It With

Jasmine or white rice
Roasted broccoli or stir-fried bok choy
Cauliflower rice for low-carb
Asian slaw or cucumber salad for crunch

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking – Chicken dries out if cooked too long. Check at the 3-hour mark.
Skipping browning step – It’s optional, but adds richness.
Not thickening the sauce – If too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with water and add during the last 30 minutes.

Storage + Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in a BPA-free airtight container.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
For freezer: thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

1. Low-Carb/Keto Version
Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol and serve over cauliflower rice.

2. Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

3. Veggie Boost
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.

4. Spicy Kick
Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

5. Crispy Finish
Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes to crisp the edges.

Helpful Tips

Cornstarch Coating: Lightly toss chicken in cornstarch before cooking for a velvety texture.
No Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—space helps everything cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: Sesame seeds and green onions add crunch and freshness!
Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce for rice? Double the sauce ingredients and simmer separately to thicken.

✅ Benefits of Making Sesame Chicken in a Crockpot

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
Healthier than Takeout: Control ingredients, reduce sodium, and skip the deep-frying.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for lunches or busy weeknights.
Family-Approved Flavors: Sweet, savory, and satisfying—kids and adults love it.
Customizable: Easily adapt for gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free diets.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I cook it faster?
A: Yes! Use the HIGH setting on your crockpot to cut cook time to 2–3 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A: While sesame oil adds authentic flavor, you can substitute with olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw it first to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce 30 minutes before cooking ends.

Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Cool it completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

🥢 Conclusion

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is the ultimate weeknight win: quick to prep, full of flavor, and incredibly comforting. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and homemade goodness, whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for the week ahead. With simple ingredients and bold taste, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your slow cooker rotation.

Let the aroma fill your kitchen—and your dinner table—with smiles. 🍚✨

📝 Recipe Card: Crockpot Sesame Chicken