I’m so excited to share this recipe with you guys!Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken.Is a weeknight lifesaver? Think of it as your favorite takeout, but even better because you know exactly what’s going into it, if not better. Is it even more flavorful than what you’d get delivered? When I was a kid, my mom made teriyaki chicken in the slow cooker. Now I can’t remember the recipe. This is like a total glow-up, way more complex and interesting. How does the sesame sauce cling to the chicken? When cooking, the house smells amazing. If you love the ease of slow cooker cooking and crave that Asian-inspired flavor, you’ve gotta try this recipe.

What is slow cooker Asian sesame chicken?

What is a dump-and-go meal? If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you nestle them into your breasts. You can also make a bag of them. Slow cooker with a luscious Asian-inspired sauce. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food with a slightly sophisticated twist. What is a name? “Asian” because it’s packed with flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Why is sesame so popular? And “Chicken” because that is our protein powerhouse. What is the beauty of a slow cooker? incredibly tender and flavorful. What is hands-off cooking at its finest?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this recipe is the absolute symphony of flavors. What are the flavors of soy sauce, ginger and garlic, a hint of sweetness from honey? What is the amazing nutty aroma from sesame oil and maple syrup? Is it addictive? Is it safe to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing? I’m talking 5 minutes of prep time, tops. What is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling dozens of things? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken thighs are usually pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. What’s the best part about paying a fraction of the price? Is it versatile to serve over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps? Is it better to eat shredded cheese in tacos? Is it a win-win situation? It’s way simpler than making a full blown stir fry and more exciting than regular baked chicken. I’ve tried similar recipes, but this one, this is *chef’s kiss*.

How do I make slow cooker Asian Sesame Chicken?

Quick Overview

This Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken recipe is all about simplicity. You’ll whisk together a flavorful sauce, toss in your chicken, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The magic happens during the slow cooking process, as the chicken becomes unbelievably tender and absorbs all those delicious Asian flavors. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to get a fantastic meal on the table with minimal effort. And the best part? You get to come home to a house that smells absolutely amazing!

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the best
About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts). I like thighs because they stay super moist and tender in the slow cooker. If you’re using breasts, keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dry out. Is it better to buy organic chicken?

What is the recipe for Asian Sesame Sauce?
12 cup of soy sauce (I usually go with low-sodium).
14 cup of honey or maple syrup (adds a touch of sweetness). Is it possible to use brown sugar?
What’s the best way to use sesame oil?
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar (adds a nice tang).
2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh is always best)
1 tablespoon of grated ginger (fresh is the best way to go!).
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (for a little kick – adjust to your liking).
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry) – this will make it hard to mix. How do you thicken sauce at the end?
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (for garnish – I like to use a mix of black and white sesames seeds for garnish) (I use black & white semolina seeds as garnish). What makes a presentation prettier?
Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well combined, so you don’t end up with clumps of garlic or ginger in your sauce.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. How do you serve Asian sesame sauce over chicken? I like to toss the chicken in the sauce to make sure it’s all nicely covered.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. What should I do if I have a very tender chicken? I usually start checking it around the 6-hour mark on low, just to be sure it doesn’t overcook.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. How do I mix cornstarch and sauce in a slow cooker? In a slow cooker, heat the sauce over medium heat until thickened. Cover and let it cool for about 10 minutes. How do I make a smooth paste of your desired consistency, stirring If you want a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. What is the best way to cook shredded chicken in a slow cooker? I find that shredding the chicken really helps it soak up all that delicious flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions (if using). Serve hot over rice, noodles, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps. I also love to drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the top for an extra boost of flavor.

What should I serve it with?

Is there an infinite number of possibilities?Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken.Can be a star as the main course, or as an additional flavor boost to other sides. I love it with white rice or, when I’m feeling fancy, coconut rice. The sweetness of coconut complements the sesame chicken perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, try serving it over brown rice or quinoa.What are some quick meal ideas for a weeknight?Steamed broccoli or edamame makes a great side. What is the best contrast to the rich flavor of chicken?For a fun party: What are some ideas?Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps with some shredded carrots, cucumbers and a drizzle of sriracha. It’s always a hit!For a potluck:Bring a big bowl of Asian noodle salad with the chicken mixed in. Is it easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser? Is it my family’s comfort meal? Even the pickiest eaters in my family can’t get enough!

How do I cook Asian Sesame Chicken in a slow cooker?

I have made this dish more times than I can count, and I’ve definitely learned a few tricks along the way.

Chicken Choice: Which isI always recommend using chicken thighs. I can’t eat chicken breasts. Is it safe to cook them in a slow cooker? If you use breasts, be sure to check them frequently to prevent them from drying out. I’ve tried both, and the thighs are always the winner in my book.

Soy Sauce:How do I control the saltiness of a dish with low-sodium soy sauce? Is it hard to take salt away?

Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for the best flavor. Don’t even think about using the powdered stuff! Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch. If you like a real kick, add a little more.

Thickening the Sauce: Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This will prevent the cornstarch from clumping up. Also, don’t skip the thickening step. It really helps to bring the whole dish together and gives the sauce a beautiful, glossy finish.

Toasting the Sesame Seeds: For an even nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top. Just be careful not to burn them!

Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake you can make is overcooking the chicken. It’s better to err on the side of undercooking, as the chicken will continue to cook when you shred it and return it to the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Lucky you if you have leftovers – this Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken tastes even better the next day!

Room Temperature: It is not advised to leave this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual containers for easy reheating. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when you need to use them.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the chicken, it’s best to wait until after thawing to add the sesame seeds and green onions. This will help them stay fresher.

Reheating: You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If using the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It’s important not to overcook it again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of honey or maple syrup, you can use brown sugar, agave nectar, or even a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly. I’ve tried it with brown sugar, and it gives the sauce a richer, more molasses-like flavor. I personally prefer to avoid the fake stuff because it alters the tastes in weird ways.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! I often add broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can get mushy. If you want to add heartier vegetables like carrots or potatoes, you’ll need to add them earlier in the cooking process.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Place the chicken and sauce in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, quick release any remaining pressure. Thicken the sauce using the cornstarch slurry and shred the chicken as directed.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work in a pinch. If you are missing it all together, add a teaspoon of lime or lemon to the recipe.

How do I make this spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even a minced jalapeño pepper to the sauce. I’ve also tried adding a spoonful of chili garlic sauce, which gives it a nice spicy kick with a hint of garlic flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Chicken recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make that even the busiest home cook can pull it off. I have it at least once a month. The delicious flavors and the simplicity of the slow cooker make it a winner in my book! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I love hearing about your variations and tips!