Effortless Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken: Your Ultimate Healthy Takeout Fakeout
Say goodbye to complicated weeknight meals and hello to pure convenience with this incredible Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken recipe! Imagine succulent, tender chicken thighs, bathed in a rich, homemade sesame sauce, all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty crockpot. This dish is not just easy; it’s a revelation, bringing the beloved flavors of Chinese takeout right to your dinner table, but with a healthier twist that you’ll feel great about.
I recently kicked off a new series on my Instagram called “Slow-Cooker Sundays,” and it’s been the perfect excuse to revisit some of my all-time favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. This particular slow cooker sesame chicken recipe first graced my kitchen in 2014, and while it’s been a few years since it was in my regular rotation, bringing it back has reminded us all just how much we adore it. The sheer ease combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it an instant family favorite.
This isn’t just another sesame chicken recipe; it’s a smart, simplified approach to a classic. While I wouldn’t call it strictly “authentic” in the traditional sense, it captures the sweet, savory, and nutty essence of Chinese takeout perfectly. What sets this version apart is its commitment to healthier eating without compromising on taste. We’re keeping things clean by making our own gluten-free sesame sauce, naturally sweetened with just a touch of honey, significantly reducing the refined sugar found in many traditional or restaurant versions. For 1.5 pounds of chicken, we use a mere three tablespoons of honey, offering a delightful sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. If you’re constantly seeking healthier “takeout fakeout” inspiration, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Beef Stir-Fry next – another fantastic option for a wholesome and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Sesame Chicken
There are countless reasons why this Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken will become a staple in your meal planning. It perfectly balances convenience with outstanding flavor, making it a dream come true for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking. Here’s a closer look at why this recipe stands out:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a slow cooker meal lies in its simplicity. Just a few minutes of prep, add your ingredients, and let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting. This truly is a “set it and forget it” kind of dish, leaving you free to tackle other tasks or simply relax.
- Healthier Home-Cooked Goodness: Unlike many store-bought sauces or restaurant dishes that are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, our homemade sesame sauce is clean and wholesome. It’s gluten-free and uses honey as the sole sweetener, giving you a better-for-you meal without sacrificing that addictive sweet and savory balance.
- Incredible Takeout Flavor, Elevated: You’ll be amazed at how closely this recipe mimics your favorite sesame chicken from a Chinese restaurant, but with the added satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into it. The rich, sticky sauce coats every piece of tender chicken, creating a truly irresistible dish.
- Tender & Juicy Chicken Every Time: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is key here. They cook beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sesame sauce. No dry chicken here!
- Versatile Serving Options: This sesame chicken is wonderfully adaptable. Serve it with classic white rice, healthier cauliflower rice, or even noodles. It pairs perfectly with a variety of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, allowing you to customize your meal to your preference.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: This recipe yields fantastic leftovers, making it ideal for meal prepping throughout the week. Simply store it in airtight containers, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for lunch or dinner.
Key Ingredients for this Irresistible Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
My approach to crockpot sesame chicken focuses on juicy chicken thighs and a homemade, gluten-free sesame sauce. Every component works in harmony to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and tender perfection. All these ingredients are tossed together in your slow cooker, slowly transforming into the most succulent, shredded chicken you can imagine.
- Chicken Thighs: We opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they retain moisture and develop incredible flavor during the long, slow cooking process. Their slightly higher fat content keeps them incredibly juicy and prevents them from drying out. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use chicken breasts or a combination of both for a leaner option.
- Spices: A simple yet effective blend of salt, black pepper, and onion powder forms the foundational seasoning for the chicken thighs, enhancing their natural flavor before the sauce is added.
- Coconut Aminos: A fantastic gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos adds a savory umami depth with a subtle sweetness. It’s a key component in our healthy sesame sauce.
- Tamari: Another essential for a gluten-free sauce, tamari offers a richer, less salty flavor profile than regular soy sauce. If gluten is not an issue, low-sodium soy sauce can be used.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This is where a significant part of the “sesame” flavor comes from. Toasted sesame oil is potent and adds a wonderfully nutty, aromatic quality to the sauce. Be sure to use toasted for that distinct flavor, and remember a little goes a long way!
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Providing a crucial touch of acidity, rice wine vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness and savory notes, preventing it from tasting flat.
- Tomato Paste: While many similar recipes use ketchup, BBQ sauce, or hoisin sauce, we opt for tomato paste. It offers a concentrated umami flavor and a slight tang without the added sugars and preservatives often found in those other condiments, keeping our recipe healthier.
- Honey: Our natural sweetener of choice. Honey provides a lovely, mild sweetness that perfectly complements the savory and tangy elements of the sauce. You can also use light brown sugar if honey isn’t available or preferred.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers a vibrant, pungent, and slightly spicy kick that is indispensable in Asian-inspired dishes. While fresh is always best for maximum flavor, dried ginger spice can be used in a pinch (use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried for 1 teaspoon of fresh).
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides another layer of aromatic depth and pungent flavor, rounding out the base of our delicious sauce.
- Tapioca Starch: This gluten-free starch is our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly thick, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. It creates a glossy finish without clumping. You can easily substitute tapioca starch with arrowroot powder or cornstarch if you prefer.
- Sesame Seeds: Used as a garnish, sesame seeds add a delightful textural contrast and a final flourish of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions (scallions) serve as a fresh, vibrant garnish, adding a mild oniony bite and a pop of color that elevates the presentation and taste.
How to Make This Delicious Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Making this incredible sesame chicken is remarkably simple, requiring just a few easy steps. The slow cooker truly does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy flavorful, tender chicken with minimal hands-on time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Evenly season the chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and onion powder. This initial seasoning helps to build a flavor foundation for the chicken itself.
- Whisk the Sesame Sauce: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, tomato paste, honey, fresh (or dried) ginger, minced garlic, and tapioca starch. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth, with no visible lumps of starch. This ensures a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sesame sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for approximately 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for about 4 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so always check for doneness.
- Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker onto a clean cutting board or a shallow dish. Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart into larger, juicy shredded pieces. Avoid over-shredding if you prefer chunkier textures. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the rich, thickened sesame sauce. This ensures every piece of chicken is gloriously coated in flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is now ready to be devoured! Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Perfect Sides for Your Sesame Chicken
One of the joys of this Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Traditionally, sesame chicken is often paired with rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. However, you have plenty of options to create a meal that suits your preferences and dietary needs.
- Rice Options: Classic steamed white rice or brown rice is always a winner. For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice that still provides a great base for the sauce.
- Noodle Dishes: Serve alongside lo mein noodles, ramen, or even some simple vermicelli noodles for a heartier meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: My personal favorite is to serve it with steamed broccoli florets. Their slight bitterness and crisp-tender texture provide a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken. Other fantastic options include steamed carrots, sugar snap peas, bell peppers (sliced), or even asparagus.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a more robust side, quickly stir-fry your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, snow peas, and carrots. A light drizzle of sesame oil and a pinch of salt can elevate these simple sides.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sesame chicken, adding a welcome freshness to your plate.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic as leftovers, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Properly storing and reheating ensures you can enjoy its flavors for days to come.
- To Store: Any leftover sesame chicken should be transferred to an airtight storage container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Place the cooled sesame chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container, a heavy-duty resealable bag, or a vacuum-sealed bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place your desired portion of sesame chicken in a microwave-safe bowl or plate. Reheat gently in the microwave in 60-90 second intervals, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through to your desired temperature.
- Stovetop: For a slightly crispier texture and more even heating, transfer leftovers to a small sauté pan. Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if the sauce appears too thick during reheating.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken from great to absolutely unforgettable. Pay attention to these details for consistently perfect results.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While chicken thighs are quite forgiving, cooking them for too long can still lead to dryness. Follow the suggested cooking times (2.5 hours on high, 4 hours on low) and check for tenderness. The chicken should easily pull apart with a fork but still feel moist.
- Adjust Sweetness and Spice: The beauty of homemade sauce is customization! Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Ensure a Smooth Sauce: When whisking the sauce ingredients, pay special attention to fully dissolving the tapioca starch (or alternative). Lumps can affect the final texture of your sauce.
- Consider Browning the Chicken (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly richer color, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for a few minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is completely optional but can add a delightful depth.
- Fresh is Best for Aromatics: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic. They provide a much more vibrant and pungent flavor compared to their dried or powdered counterparts, which significantly impacts the overall taste of the sesame chicken.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Sesame seeds and fresh green onions aren’t just for looks. They add essential texture, freshness, and a pop of flavor that completes the dish.
More Easy Slow Cooker Dinners You’ll Love
If you’re as big a fan of the slow cooker as I am, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other effortless recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for any night of the week!
- Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken
- Whole30 Friendly Slow Cooker Beef Stir-Fry
- Flavorful Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb
Sesame Chicken made in the Slow Cooker
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – for ultimate juiciness; can use breast or a combination
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari – for gluten-free; use regular low-sodium soy sauce if not GF
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons honey – can substitute with light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger spice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch – or arrowroot powder, or cornstarch for thickening
- Sesame seeds + sliced green onions – for garnish
Instructions
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Place chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
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In a separate mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, tomato paste, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and tapioca starch. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
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Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all pieces of chicken are well-coated. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
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Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into desired pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the rich, thickened sesame sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
STORAGE TIPS
- To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze. You can store in an airtight container or resealable or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat. Place leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl or on a plate and reheat gently in the microwave until warm. You can also reheat in a small sauté pan on medium heat, until warm.
Nutrition
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Recipe originally posted 10/2014. Updated 11/11/2024 with improved content, images, and video.