Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe.
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp cold water
- green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 1/2 lbs chicken thighs (or chicken breasts but they tend
- 2 tbsp minced onion (i used the dried kind)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red peppers
- Carbohydrate 31.115516078293 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.56828892798333 g
- Fiber 0.565984938030063 g
- Protein 2.46132828567658 g
- Saturated Fat 0.353721591488943 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (261g)
- Sodium 1060.22697809603 mg
- Sugar 30.5495311402629 g
- Trans Fat 0.104611700447087 g
- Calories 148 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut chicken into 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes and put into Crock Pot.
- Mix together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, onion, barbecue sauce and crushed red peppers in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 2 to 4 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
- Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot while reserving the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Mix together the cold water and cornstarch and stir into the sauce.
- Cook sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. This only takes a couple of minutes.
- Turn the heat down to low, add chicken to sauce and break any large pieces into smaller chunks. Stir to coat while simmering.
- Remove from heat and sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything else that comes with raising a family, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortless weeknight meals. This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a prime example. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and requires minimal hands-on time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You simply toss cubed chicken with a vibrant honey-sesame sauce, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it simmer away while you tackle other tasks. The result is incredibly tender chicken, coated in a rich, sticky glaze that's both sweet and savory. The subtle hint of garlic and red pepper adds a nice kick, while the sesame seeds and green onions provide a satisfying crunch. It's a perfectly balanced dish that the whole family will devour.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of chicken – chicken breasts work just as well as thighs, although thighs tend to stay more moist in the slow cooker. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit them entirely. And don't be afraid to get creative with the sides. While rice is a classic pairing, this chicken would also be delicious served with quinoa, noodles, or even a simple salad.
The best part? The cleanup is a breeze. Since most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker, there's very little to wash up afterward. This is a huge win for busy weeknights when the last thing you want is to spend time scrubbing pots and pans. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner, give this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simplicity in the kitchen. It reminds us that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a few simple ingredients, we can create healthy and satisfying meals that nourish our bodies and bring our families together. This recipe has become a staple in my household, a go-to when I need a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavor.
The versatility of this recipe also speaks to the creativity inherent in cooking. It's a starting point, a foundation upon which you can build your own culinary adventures. Experiment with different sauces, add your favorite vegetables, or even try using different proteins. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker. Allowing the chicken to cook in a single layer ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Adjust cooking time as needed. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces. Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F before serving.
- Thicken the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch.
- Serve with your favorite sides. This chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, noodles, or a simple salad.
In a world where time is often our most precious commodity, this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a gift. It's a recipe that understands the demands of modern life while delivering on flavor and convenience. It's a meal that nourishes both body and soul, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still find time to enjoy delicious, home-cooked food.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of slow cooking. This recipe is your passport to effortless weeknight dinners, a culinary shortcut to a happy and healthy family meal.
