Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- green onions sliced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 6 tbsp cold water
- 2 tbsp minced onion (i used the dried kind)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red peppers
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thig
- Carbohydrate 30.5070494113654 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.56795559464985 g
- Fiber 0.559984938186436 g
- Protein 2.45959495234251 g
- Saturated Fat 0.353661591488918 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (268g)
- Sodium 1060.46322809575 mg
- Sugar 29.947064473179 g
- Trans Fat 0.104611700447087 g
- Calories 146 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 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- 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 Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the constant juggle of work and family responsibilities. But even amidst the chaos, I crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. That's where my slow cooker becomes my best friend. It’s my secret weapon for transforming simple ingredients into flavorful, comforting dishes, and this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a prime example. This recipe is not just easy; it's incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with the rich, savory flavors of the honey sesame sauce. I love how the honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory soy sauce and the subtle spice from the red pepper flakes. The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish to a whole new level. I often experiment with adding other vegetables to the slow cooker – sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even some baby carrots would add a nice touch of color and nutrition. It's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters (mine included!).
This recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver. The prep time is minimal – just a quick chop of the chicken and a whisk of the sauce ingredients. Then it's simply a matter of tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it simmer while I attend to other things. The aroma that fills the house as the chicken simmers is enough to make anyone hungry, promising a delicious and stress-free meal. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future night when I’m truly short on time. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as amazing the next day.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is also a healthy and nutritious option. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. The addition of vegetables, if you choose to include them, further boosts the nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence. It’s a recipe that I’ve made countless times, and it continues to be a favorite among my family and friends. So, next time 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!
Serving Suggestions:
I usually serve this dish over fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to coat each grain perfectly. The sesame seeds add a lovely crunch, and the green onions provide a refreshing burst of freshness. Alternatively, you can serve it over quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist. A side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad complements the dish beautifully. For a more substantial meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables to the side. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is sure to become a family favorite.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: Add a few more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- For a sweeter sauce: Increase the amount of honey to your liking.
- For a more savory sauce: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce.
- For added texture: Include some chopped nuts, such as peanuts or cashews, to the sauce.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simplicity and the joy of creating delicious food for loved ones. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of mindful cooking, allowing you to enjoy the process without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. So, give it a try and experience the delicious magic of the slow cooker for yourself.
