Copycat Crockpot Sesame Chicken Recipe (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Crockpot Sesame Chicken is made in a slow cooker with tender chicken, a simple soy-honey sauce, and very little hands-on work. The sauce is the reason to make it: salty soy sauce, sweet honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger come together while the chicken cooks. Your kitchen will smell warm and savory as the sauce cooks around the chicken. Serve it over rice for an easy family dinner, especially on a busy day when you want dinner waiting for you.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work after you add the chicken and sauce.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients, including chicken breasts, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
• Tender texture: Shredding the cooked chicken in the sauce helps every bite stay moist and well coated.
• Easy serving: Spoon the chicken over cooked rice and finish it with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Good for leftovers: Extra chicken can be refrigerated and reheated for another meal.

How to Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot, then stir together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until the chicken is done and tender. Shred the chicken right in the sauce, stir in the sesame seeds, and serve it over cooked rice. Add chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Cooked rice for serving

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the sauce.
6. Stir in the sesame seeds.
7. Serve the chicken over cooked rice and garnish with the chopped green onions.

How to Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Serve Crockpot Sesame Chicken over warm cooked rice so the rice can soak up some of the sauce. White rice, brown rice, or another favorite rice can work with this recipe.

Add a simple vegetable on the side, such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or sliced cucumbers. The fresh vegetables balance the rich sauce without adding much work.

For a casual dinner, serve the chicken in bowls with extra green onions and sesame seeds on top. It also works well for a make-ahead lunch because the chicken and rice can be packed in separate containers.

How to Store Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Let leftover chicken cool, then place it in a covered container and refrigerate it within a reasonable time. Store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Keep the chicken and rice separate when possible. This helps the rice keep a better texture and makes it easier to reheat only what you need.

Reheat the chicken and sauce until hot, using the microwave or a saucepan. Add a small splash of water if the sauce seems thick while reheating. If you plan to freeze it, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight freezer container, then thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Making Crockpot Sesame Chicken

• Use the right cut: Boneless chicken breasts are easy to shred after slow cooking and work directly with the listed ingredients.
• Mix the sauce first: Stir the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger together before pouring it over the chicken so the ingredients spread more evenly.
• Keep the lid closed: Avoid opening the slow cooker during cooking unless needed, since the recipe depends on steady cooking time.
• Shred in the sauce: Pull the chicken apart while it is still in the crock pot so the meat picks up the sauce.
• Add sesame seeds at the end: Stir them in after shredding to keep their texture noticeable.
• Finish with green onions: Add the chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh topping.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: If you do not have fresh ginger, you can use another ginger product you already keep on hand, adjusting it to your taste. This is an option and is not part of the main recipe.
• Add-in: Add a side of steamed broccoli, sliced carrots, or another vegetable when serving. These additions are optional.
• Different cooking method: You can cook the chicken and sauce in a covered pot on the stovetop instead of using a crock pot, but the cooking time and amount of liquid may need adjustment. The slow cooker method remains the main recipe.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Sesame Chicken Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time, shred it in the sauce, and refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat the chicken until hot and serve it with freshly cooked rice if you want the best rice texture.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts?

Chicken thighs can be used as an option if you prefer dark meat. The recipe lists chicken breasts, so expect the texture and cooking result to be somewhat different when making a substitution.

Can I Freeze This Sesame Chicken?

Yes, the cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen in an airtight freezer container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating, and store rice separately when possible.

How Do I Know When Crockpot Sesame Chicken Is Done?

The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred in the sauce. Follow the listed cooking times of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, and check that the chicken is no longer raw in the center before shredding.

Can I Double The Recipe?

You can double the ingredients for a larger batch, but make sure your crock pot has enough room for the chicken and sauce. The cooking time may change, so check that the chicken is fully cooked and tender before serving.

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