Tender, juicy slow-cooked chicken coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce with savory soy sauce, fragrant garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. This easy Crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and satisfying family dinners. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a delicious homemade meal.
Easy
Slow Cooker
Family-Friendly
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 3–4 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sesame Sauce
½ cup honey
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Thickening the Sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnishing
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim away any excess fat and place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of a 5–6-quart slow cooker.
Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. If you prefer a deeper flavor, lightly sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side before transferring it to the slow cooker. This step is optional.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, optional brown sugar, and chili flakes.
Whisk everything together until the honey is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to add a subtle nutty flavor and texture.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour the prepared honey garlic sesame sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Turn the chicken gently with tongs to coat both sides with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer as much as possible to encourage even cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker. Use a food thermometer to check that the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Avoid overcooking, as chicken breasts can become dry if left in the slow cooker for too long.
Step 5: Remove and Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a clean plate or cutting board.
You can shred the chicken using two forks for a pulled-chicken texture or slice it into thick strips for a more substantial presentation.
Set the chicken aside while you thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, with no lumps.
Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan, or use the slow cooker if it has a suitable sauté setting.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
If using the slow cooker, stir in the slurry, cover, and cook on HIGH for approximately 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken
Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the thickened sauce. Toss gently until every piece is coated in the sticky honey garlic glaze.
Allow it to rest in the warm sauce for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
Taste and adjust with a little extra soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tanginess.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the honey garlic sesame chicken to a serving dish or individual bowls.
Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add a little fresh cilantro or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Serve immediately while warm, with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Tips
Use similar-sized chicken breasts: This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents thinner pieces from drying out.
Choose low-sodium soy sauce: It gives you better control over the saltiness of the sauce.
Don’t overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked longer than necessary. Check the internal temperature toward the end of the cooking time.
Use fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics provide a richer and more vibrant flavor.
Thicken the sauce separately: Simmering the sauce with cornstarch helps create a glossy, sticky consistency that clings to the chicken.
Adjust the sweetness: Add more honey for a sweeter glaze or a little extra rice vinegar for a tangier finish.
Add vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas make delicious additions. For best texture, add tender vegetables toward the end of cooking.
Toast the sesame seeds: Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes to enhance their aroma and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Toss with noodles for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Serve alongside fried rice or vegetable rice.
Add to lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and sliced cucumber.
Serve with steamed bok choy or roasted green beans for a balanced dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth until steaming hot.
Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals until thoroughly heated.
Meal prep: Divide the chicken and sauce into individual portions with rice and vegetables for easy lunches and dinners.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings with chicken breast and sauce. Values vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
360 kcal
Protein
39 g
Carbohydrates
31 g
Total Fat
8 g
Saturated Fat
1.5 g
Sugar
25 g
Dietary Fiber
1 g
Sodium
720 mg
Cholesterol
100 mg
Nut Information
Contains sesame
This recipe contains sesame oil and sesame seeds, which are common allergens. Sesame is classified as a major food allergen in several countries.
Peanuts: 0 g intentionally added
Tree nuts: 0 g intentionally added
Sesame: Present
Nut-based ingredients: None intentionally included
Allergy note: Sesame is not botanically a tree nut, but it can cause serious allergic reactions. Check the labels of soy sauce, sesame oil, ketchup, and other packaged ingredients for possible allergen cross-contact. For someone with a sesame allergy, omit the sesame seeds and sesame oil and use a suitable alternative oil. Verify that all substitute ingredients are safe for their particular allergy.
Contains: Soy (soy sauce), sesame.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to remain juicier during slow cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Thighs can tolerate longer cooking, but check for tenderness and avoid unnecessary overcooking.
2. Can I make honey garlic sesame chicken without sesame oil?
Yes. Replace sesame oil with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil. You can also omit the sesame seeds. The flavor will be less nutty but the honey garlic sauce will still be delicious.
3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a little chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred heat level.
4. Why is my honey garlic sauce too thin?
Slow cookers retain moisture, which can make the sauce thinner than expected. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering sauce, stirring until it becomes glossy and thick. Add more slurry gradually if needed.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the sauce and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Keep the raw chicken refrigerated separately and combine everything in the slow cooker immediately before cooking. You can also cook the dish in advance and refrigerate it for convenient reheating.
Conclusion
This slow cooker honey garlic sesame chicken is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze. With minimal preparation and everyday ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Serve it over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables for a comforting homemade meal that everyone can enjoy.