Amazing Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken That Warms Your Soul

Irresistible Slow-Cooked Delight

Hola! With a heart intertwined with the vibrant flavors of Mexico, my culinary journey began in the warm embrace of my family’s kitchen in Orlando. I spent countless joyful afternoons with my mama, pressing tortillas and discovering the magic of spices with my abuela. Those experiences taught me that every meal is a celebration of love, laughter, and stories shared. While I cherish my life in Orlando, part of me still dances in Oaxaca’s bustling mercados and my abuela’s cozy kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken — a dish that captures the essence of home and the comfort of delicious flavors.

If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, this Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is bound to elevate your dinner table. Not only is it easy to prepare, but this dish also transforms into a succulent, flavor-packed meal without the fuss. As it slow cooks, the honey and soy sauce meld into a sticky glaze that coats the tender chicken, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends — a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll reach for again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Best Season: Year-round

What Makes This Dish Shine

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. The ginger and garlic add depth, ensuring each bite is a flavor adventure.
• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Vibes: This dish provides warmth and comfort, making it a great choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. It’s a dish that brings everyone together.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve this Chicken over rice, noodles, or veggies for a wholesome meal. The possibilities of pairings and presentations are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast (about 3 breast halves)
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Dash of white pepper
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• Green onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water

SAVE NOW

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken Breast: Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, frozen chicken breast can work, but adjust the cooking time.
• Honey: Opt for pure honey for a richer taste. Feel free to substitute with agave syrup for a vegan alternative if needed.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works well to reduce saltiness without compromising flavor.
• Ketchup: Adds a unique flavor and sweetness; also, consider using tomato paste if you want a deeper base flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in your crock pot, laying them flat to ensure even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a dash of white pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated.
4. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. After cooking, remove the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces for serving.
6. In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it into the remaining sauce in the crock pot.
7. Let the sauce thicken on the warm setting for about 10 minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the pot and stir it well to coat with the thickened sauce.
9. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pro Strategies for Perfect Results

• Timing is Key: For best results, don’t open the lid during cooking; it releases heat and may extend the cooking time.
• Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for even deeper flavor infusion if you have the time.
• Texture Matters: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can sear the chicken in a hot pan for a couple of minutes before adding to the crock pot.
• Taste Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Variations to Explore

• Vegan Twist: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Ensure to marinate tofu to absorb all the yummy flavors.
• Heat it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or switch to a spicy soy sauce for a kick!
• Regional Flavors: Combine with pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired taste, or add bell peppers for a mix of sweetness and crunch.
• Mild Version: Omit red pepper flakes and use mild soy sauce for a gentler flavor that’s kid-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken atop a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or colorful stir-fried vegetables. For an added touch, consider a refreshing cucumber salad or sweet steamed edamame as a side. Pair with a crisp white wine or iced tea for the perfect accompaniment to your delightful meal.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Strategies

For those busy weeks, prep the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time. Freeze the uncooked chicken in a zip-top bag with all the sauce ingredients for an easy dinner solution. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then transfer to the crock pot for a speedy meal.

Plating for Success

To enhance presentation, serve the chicken in a large bowl, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. For an added flourish, place lime wedges on the side.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Measuring Honey: Lightly spray your measuring cup with a non-stick spray before pouring honey for easy release.
• Slicing Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to help retain juices.
• Cleaning the Crock Pot: Soak it in warm soapy water after use; it will make cleaning much easier.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Common Queries Addressed

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but it may require longer cooking. Adjust time by 1-2 hours.
• Is it possible to double the recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot has enough capacity.
• How spicy is this dish? This dish is mildly spicy; feel free to adjust the red pepper to suit your taste.
• Can I make this without soy sauce? Coconut aminos can be a great alternative for a soy-free version.
• What vegetables can I add? Broccoli or snap peas that cook well in stir-frying can be mixed in during the last hour of cooking.
• Can I thicken the sauce differently? Yes, you can use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch if a gluten-free option is desired.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 389
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 12g

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on individual ingredients used.

A Warm Reflection

Cooking is deeply intertwined with culture, family, and love. This Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is more than just a recipe; it captures the essence of shared meals and cherished memories. Every bite tells a story, reflecting the heartwarming connections we forge through food. As you create and share this dish, remember that every meal is an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and share joy.

Ending on a Delicious Note

Now that you’ve discovered this delightful Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s time to bring flavors into your kitchen. Share this recipe with friends, pin it for later, and enjoy the warm, comforting vibes it brings to your table. Happy cooking!

Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 160 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delectable slow-cooked chicken dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a sticky glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Dash of white pepper
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• Green onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in your crock pot, laying them flat.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, garlic, and white pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it thoroughly.
4. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 150 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
6. Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir into the remaining sauce in the crock pot.
7. Let the sauce thicken on the warm setting for about 10 minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat with the thickened sauce.
9. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor. Searing the chicken beforehand adds a crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 150 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 100mg