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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

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This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a 5-ingredient dinner that delivers tender, fall-apart chicken in a sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires just 10 minutes of active prep and tastes like takeout without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup (170g) honey
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim any visible excess fat and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce until well combined. Add the minced garlic and stir. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Using tongs or two forks, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 2 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
  5. If you want a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, pour in the slurry, and stir well. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. While the sauce thickens, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan immediately.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed with a splash of rice vinegar. Serve the chicken over steamed rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts for tenderness. Toast sesame seeds for best flavor. For extra sauce, multiply honey and soy sauce by 1.5. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey sesame chicken, easy 5-ingredient dinner, honey sesame chicken, slow cooker chicken, Asian chicken recipe

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