Introduction
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish made with juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, sticky sauce. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chili creates the perfect balance of sweet heat. It’s an easy, hands-off meal ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons ketchup
1–2 tablespoons chili sauce or sriracha
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Return shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
How to Make:
Choose fresh chicken breasts for best texture.
Whisk the sauce thoroughly so flavors blend evenly.
Cook slowly to allow the chicken to absorb the sweet and spicy flavors.
Shred the chicken for maximum sauce coverage.
Thicken the sauce at the end for a glossy, sticky finish.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Variations:
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Make it extra spicy by increasing chili sauce.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.
Tips:
Do not overcook to prevent dry chicken.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for enhanced aroma.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 320–380 kcal
Protein: 30–35g
Carbohydrates: 25–30g
Fat: 8–12g
Sugar: Moderate due to honey and brown sugar
Healthy Benefits
High in lean protein for muscle support.
Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory properties.
Homemade sauce allows control over sodium and sugar.
Balanced sweet and spicy flavors reduce the need for excess oil.
Can be paired with vegetables for a nutrient-rich meal.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken is a simple yet bold-flavored dish that delivers tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky sauce. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
