Name: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 cups broccoli, florets; 1 1/2 cups snow peas; 2/3 cup chicken broth, low-sodium; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1/3 cup soy sauce, low sodium; 2 tablespoons vinegar, rice; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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There’s nothing quite like coming home to the enticing aroma of a delicious meal that’s been simmering all day. This is exactly what you’ll experience when you whip up Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken. Picture this: You’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But with this recipe, you can savor the flavor of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a scrumptious sauce that brings everything together without any hassle. As I set out to make this dish, I couldn’t wait to see how the savory and sweet flavors would meld together, creating a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
3 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
180 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker, Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

Why Try This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Easy to Prepare

This recipe is a dream for busy weeknights. You just need to prepare the ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. It’s as simple as that!

Flavors that Shine

The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. The addition of fresh vegetables like broccoli and snow peas adds a delightful crunch and nutrition, making this dish not just tasty but healthy too.

Versatile Dish

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it adaptable to your family’s preferences.

Make Ahead Convenience

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making it easy to toss everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This is perfect for those who like to meal prep!

Kid-Friendly

Kids love the sweet flavor of the sauce, and the colorful veggies make it visually appealing. It’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

When it comes to creating a standout dish, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. For Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, I recommend choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The star of the show, of course, is the chicken, which becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker. The honey and soy sauce create a rich sauce that infuses the vegetables with flavor, while the sesame oil adds a toasty depth. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound chicken breast
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cups broccoli, florets
1 1/2 cups snow peas
2/3 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce, low sodium
2 tablespoons vinegar, rice
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a breeze! With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Follow these instructions closely to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Begin by cutting your chicken breast into 2-inch chunks. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and soak up all the wonderful flavors. Place the chunks into a large freezer bag.
Add 1/2 cup of cornstarch to the bag. Seal it tightly and give it a good shake. This step helps to coat the chicken, providing a nice texture once cooked.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the coated chicken. Sauté the chicken until it’s lightly browned; it doesn’t have to be fully cooked at this stage.
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then, throw in the broccoli florets and snow peas on top of the chicken. The vibrant colors will make your dish so inviting!
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until fully dissolved. This mixture will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Add 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the broth mixture. If your honey is too thick, feel free to heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to mix.
Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently, ensuring everything is coated and that the sauce reaches the bottom of the pot.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 2 to 3 hours. The cooking time will depend on how soft you like your vegetables. Keep an eye on them if you prefer a little crunch!
Once cooked, serve the chicken and veggies warm over your choice of cooked rice. Make it extra special by sprinkling some sesame seeds on top before serving.
Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken with family and friends!

Things Worth Knowing

Slow Cooking Benefits: Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting dish.
Texture Matters: The coating of cornstarch helps create a slight crunch on your chicken, adding dimension to each bite.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for a different twist.
Check for Doneness: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips and Tricks about Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Here are some extra tips to enhance your experience with Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken. These insights will help you perfect the dish and impress your guests!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Pairing: Serve this dish with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Adding Spice: If you want to add a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
Meal Prep: Prep your ingredients the night before, so you can toss them into the slow cooker in the morning.
Rice Choices: Different types of rice, like jasmine or brown rice, can elevate the meal’s flavor profile.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving your Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas for sides and accompaniments that will elevate your meal:

Steamed Rice: A classic choice, white or brown rice works well to soak up the delicious sauce.
Quinoa: For a nutritious twist, try serving the chicken over fluffy quinoa.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair this dish with a mix of stir-fried vegetables for added color and crunch.
Salad: A light salad with a sesame dressing can complement the flavors nicely.
Occasions: This meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.
Seasonal Pairings: In winter, add hearty root vegetables to the mix for a seasonal touch!

FAQ

Using frozen chicken is not recommended for slow cookers because it can lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues. It’s best to use thawed or fresh chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly and reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F. If you forgot to thaw your chicken, try to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave to defrost it safely before cooking.

If you’re looking to substitute the chicken in Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, you could use tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a different protein. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary; for instance, shrimp cooks much faster than chicken, so you’ll want to add it towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

To store leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken, let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Yes, you can definitely prepare Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken in advance! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a fantastic blend of flavors and convenience that makes it a standout choice for your dinner table. It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!