1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Slow-cooked in a rich blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, this crockpot chicken dish is a true weeknight winner. Boneless chicken thighs become incredibly tender in just a few hours, soaking up the sticky-sweet and savory glaze. No need for pre-sautéing—just season, dump, and let the slow cooker do the work. Serve over fluffy white rice and finish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for added crunch and freshness. The extra sauce is perfect for spooning over veggies or saving for leftovers. Comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pin to Pinterest Share This Recipe Share It Via Email Print the Recipe Go to Recipe Steps
A woman in a blue apron holding a plate of food.
Published By Sophie
Updated on Sun, 27 Jul 2025 15:29:10 GMT
A bowl of chicken with sesame seeds on top. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken with sesame seeds on top. | ioanacooks.com

This easy Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken delivers tender chicken coated in a rich sticky sauce filled with sweet and savory flavors. It is one of those low-effort high-reward meals you can count on for busy weeknights or a simple cozy dinner.

I made this for the first time after a long workday and was shocked how something so simple could taste so good. It’s now on regular rotation in our house.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are best for juicy results and richer flavor. Choose ones that have a good fat marbling.
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that boosts the overall dish. Kosher salt works best and freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky texture. Use good-quality mild honey for best balance.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for that deep umami flavor. Low-sodium keeps the saltiness in check.
  • Ketchup: Provides tang and deep color. Go with classic ketchup rather than fancy variations.
  • Vegetable oil and sesame oil: Vegetable oil ensures even cooking. Sesame oil gives the dish its signature toasty nutty undertone.
  • Sweet onion and garlic: Aromatics that add depth and round out the sauce. Use fresh garlic and yellow onion for best results.
  • Red pepper flakes: For a gentle heat that doesn’t overwhelm. Adjust to your heat preference.
  • Cornstarch and water: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy texture. Mix completely before adding to avoid clumps.
  • Sesame seeds and scallions: Finishing touches that add texture and brightness. Toast sesame seeds lightly for extra flavor.
  • Cooked white rice: Serves as a neutral base that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Use freshly steamed rice or leftover rice warmed up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle both sides of your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them evenly in a greased 6-quart crockpot so they lie flat and aren’t stacked too high.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the honey soy sauce ketchup vegetable oil sesame oil onion garlic and pepper flakes until fully combined. Pour this over the chicken making sure it’s evenly coated.
Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The chicken should be fork-tender and easy to shred or cut.
Remove the Chicken:
Once cooked carefully remove the chicken using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate and keep warm by covering loosely with foil. Leave all the sauce in the crockpot.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the sauce in the crockpot. Stir thoroughly and cover again. Cook on high for 10 more minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Serve:
Serve the chicken whole or shredded over warm cooked rice. Spoon the thickened sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
A close up of a piece of chicken with sesame seeds on top. Bookmark
A close up of a piece of chicken with sesame seeds on top. | ioanacooks.com

I love the smell of this cooking in the afternoon while I work. The toasted sesame oil and soy sauce make the whole kitchen smell like my favorite takeout spot.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to containers. Store in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for two months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of honey you can use maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. Tamari works as a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Chicken breasts are fine too just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.

A plate of chicken with sesame seeds on top. Bookmark
A plate of chicken with sesame seeds on top. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with jasmine rice or coconut rice for extra flavor. Pair with roasted broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness. It also works great wrapped in lettuce cups or tossed into a rice bowl.

Cultural Context

This dish draws inspiration from classic Asian flavors like soy sesame and garlic. While not traditional to any one cuisine it channels the comforting bold notes found in Chinese and Japanese home-style cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work too, but they cook faster and may be slightly drier than thighs. Start checking after 2.5 hours.

→ Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No searing is required. The recipe is designed as a dump-and-go method using the slow cooker.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with white or coconut rice, roasted carrots, broccoli, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, let the chicken and sauce cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs simmered in sticky sesame honey sauce with garlic and scallions.

Time Needed to Prep
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
240 minutes
Overall Time
245 minutes
Published By: Sophie

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Number of Portions: 5 How Many It Serves (Serves 5 with sauce)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Ingredient 02 Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient 03 1 cup honey
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Ingredient 05 1/4 cup ketchup
Ingredient 06 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Ingredient 07 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Ingredient 08 1/2 cup diced sweet onion
Ingredient 09 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 10 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ingredient 11 4 teaspoons cornstarch
Ingredient 12 6 tablespoons water
Ingredient 13 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
Ingredient 14 3 scallions, diced
Ingredient 15 Cooked white rice, for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Lightly season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then transfer to a greased 6-quart crockpot.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, sesame oil, diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

Step 03

Cook the chicken on low for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 04

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm. Leave the sauce in the crockpot.

Step 05

In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water. Pour into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 06

Serve chicken whole or shredded over cooked white rice. Spoon thickened sauce on top and garnish with sesame seeds and diced scallions.

Extra Tips

  1. For best results, use dark meat chicken thighs as they remain moist and flavorful after slow cooking.
  2. Chicken breasts can be used, but cooking time should be reduced to prevent drying out.
  3. To cook without a slow cooker, use a roasting pan and bake at 250°F for 3–4 hours until chicken is done, then thicken sauce separately on the stovetop.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-quart crockpot
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains sesame

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 413
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 64 grams
  • Protein Amount: 29 grams