Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker: Takeout-Style Flavor Made Easy at Home

If you love takeout-style sesame chicken but don’t love the work of deep-frying, you are going to adore Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker.

It’s sticky, savory, just the right amount of sweet, and ridiculously easy to make. The chicken turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, coated in a rich, glossy sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work. Toss everything in, set it, forget it, and come back to a house that smells like a restaurant. It’s a weeknight win!

Get ready to meet your new favorite slow cooker dinner!

Why You’ll Love Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker

• Sticky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite
• Tender, juicy chicken without frying
• Super easy prep—no complicated steps
• Family-approved and picky-eater friendly
• Great for meal prepping and leftovers

Slow cooker comfort food at its very finest!

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.

For the chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

For finishing:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions for garnish

For serving:

• Steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles

Optional toppings:

• Extra sesame seeds
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

In a large bowl:

• Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

This gives the chicken a little body and helps the sauce cling better later.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl:

• Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ground ginger.

Set aside. The sauce smells amazing already!

3. Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the coated chicken pieces into the slow cooker.

Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Stir gently to make sure all pieces are coated.

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you like a thicker, stickier sauce:

• Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
• Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered until thickened.

5. Finish and Serve

Stir in sesame seeds.

Spoon the sesame chicken over hot rice or noodles.

Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds.

Serve hot and enjoy every sticky, saucy bite!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most tender results
• Coat the chicken in cornstarch for a better sauce cling
• Cook low and slow to keep the chicken from drying out
• Thicken the sauce at the end if you like it extra sticky
• Garnish generously—green onions and sesame seeds make it beautiful and flavorful

Simple steps, huge flavor!

Fun Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on it? Here are some delicious ideas:

Spicy Sesame Chicken:

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Orange Sesame Chicken:

• Stir in 1/4 cup orange juice and a little orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Pineapple Sesame Chicken:

• Add 1 cup pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking.

Ginger-Lovers’ Sesame Chicken:

• Double the amount of ginger for a bold, spicy kick.

Veggie Sesame Chicken:

• Add chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the last hour so they stay crisp-tender.

Endless options to match your cravings!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead:

• Prep and combine all sauce ingredients in a container.
• Store seasoned chicken and sauce separately until ready to cook.

To store leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze:

• Cool completely, then freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

To reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

It reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep!

What to Serve with Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker

Complete your meal with some simple, tasty sides!

Perfect pairings:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Vegetable spring rolls
• A fresh cucumber salad with sesame dressing

It’s better than takeout—and healthier too!

Print

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on cooking time and check for doneness early.

2. Do I have to coat the chicken in cornstarch first?

You don’t have to, but it really helps the sauce stick better and gives the chicken a slightly silky texture that’s closer to restaurant-style.

3. How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and double-check that your ketchup is gluten-free. Everything else should be naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I make it spicier?

Definitely! Add sriracha, crushed red pepper, or diced fresh chilies to the sauce before cooking.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough. The cooking time stays about the same, but stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.

6. How do I keep the sauce from getting too runny?

Use the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes if you like a thicker sauce, and cook uncovered to let some liquid evaporate.

7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

You can! Add sturdier veggies like carrots at the beginning, and quick-cooking ones like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour.

8. What if my chicken releases a lot of liquid?

It’s normal for slow cooker recipes to get a little liquidy. Thicken it at the end with the cornstarch slurry and simmer uncovered if needed.

9. Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely! Just place the coated chicken and sauce together in the insert of your slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate. Cook the next day.

10. What’s the best way to serve leftover sesame chicken?

Serve over fresh rice, toss into wraps with shredded veggies, stuff into bao buns, or spoon over a big salad for a fun twist!