Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Slow Cooker Sesame Seed Chicken
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- #43887
You'll want to bookmark this foolproof slow-cooker sesame chicken. Chicken thighs cooked with brown sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds are an effortless main dish.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
6 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
directions
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, and ketchup. Mix until the brown sugar is dissolved.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Slice the thighs and serve the sesame seed chicken over hot, cooked rice (if desired).
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs for a healthier dish.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for extra flavor before adding them to the dish.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garnish with green onions or cilantro for added color and freshness.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Slow cooking on low heat means the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Avoid overcooking the chicken as it can become dry.
Pair with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar to the soy sauce mixture.
If the sauce is too sweet, balance it with a little extra soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice.
Consider adding a bit of orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy note.
Leftovers can be used for wraps, salads, or stir-fries the next day.
common recipe questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and be less moist than thighs. Cook chicken breasts to 165 degrees F.
Is it necessary to use low sodium soy sauce?
While slow cooking can decrease some flavors like herbs and spices, it tends to intensify salty flavors. Using low sodium soy sauce works best in this recipe but regular soy sauce can be used. You may need to counter the saltiness with a little extra brown sugar.
Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a covered pot over low heat on the stove, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking can make this a more complete meal.
Can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the soy sauce mixture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees F and are no longer pink inside.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
nutrition data
233 calories, 8 grams fat, 23 grams carbohydrates, 17 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
September 8, 2014
I will admit that I was unsure of this recipe when I first tried it but we love it!
October 21, 2013
Great recipe! The chicken was very good.
September 20, 2012
This is delicious! I changed the recipe a little by adding a small diced onion and a few drops of sesame oil. I served this over brown rice with broccoli and everyone loved it! It smells incredible cooking throughout the day.This recipe is a definite keeper - so easy and delicious!
Quick, easy, good, but no sesame flavor. Needs some sesame oil.
May 1, 2012
Delicious. My boyfriend loved it. He said it was better then the Sesame chicken at the Chinese place.
January 13, 2012
made this recipe for the first time and it turned out great, the family loved it. it was super easy to make. kids already want me to make it again
January 10, 2012
I made this recipe for the first time and it came out very good. I increased the ginger and garlic to 1/2 teaspoon and added a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds on top when served. It was so simple to make and so DELICIOUS it's going into my KEEP folder. I have two children 9 and 12 yrs they both loved it. I served it with brown rice, edamame and glazed carrots. I followed the recipe exactly for everything else.