This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is an easy, family-friendly dinner that balances sweet and savory umami flavors. It’s ideal for busy weeknights—prep in the morning, set the slow cooker, and come home to tender, flavorful chicken ready to serve over rice. The sauce combines tamari for depth, fresh ginger for brightness, and honey for a gentle sweetness that kids and adults both enjoy.
Slow cooker meals are perfect when the day gets busy—especially during back-to-school season. This recipe brings the flavors of a honey-sesame stir-fry into a hands-off slow cooker format. The method is simple: whisk the sauce, nestle the chicken in, and let low heat do the work. When it’s finished, shred the chicken, thicken the sauce with a small slurry, and toss everything together so every bite soaks up the honey-sesame glaze.
The finished dish is comforting and versatile. Serve it over steamed rice with sliced green onions and a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. It also reheats well, making it a convenient choice for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks
- 1/2 cup low-sodium tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon tapioca or arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Prepared white rice, for serving
- Thinly sliced green onions, for serving
Recipe Step-by-Step:
Step One: Make the Sauce
In the bottom of your slow cooker, whisk together the minced garlic, matchstick ginger, tamari, honey, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
Step Two: Add the Chicken and Cook
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce, turning them to coat. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. When the cooking time is up, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or plate and set aside. Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting.
Step Three: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk 2 tablespoons of water with the tapioca or arrowroot flour in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step Four: Shred the Chicken
Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently toss so the sauce coats every piece.
Step Five: Toss and Rest
Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and toss again. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the juices redistribute. This short rest helps the sauce sink into the meat for a moister, more flavorful result.
Step Six: Serve
Spoon the honey-sesame chicken and sauce over prepared white rice and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. A side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or snap peas pairs nicely to add color and balance to the plate.
Recipe FAQ:
This chicken is delicious with any steamed or stir-fried vegetables—bok choy, broccoli, green beans, or snap peas are all great choices. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice or cooked quinoa for a lighter or gluten-free option.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes. This is an excellent meal-prep recipe. Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it.
Notes & Tips
- For richer flavor, swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs and adjust cook time if needed; thighs are more forgiving and stay especially moist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the tapioca/arrowroot slurry slightly, adding it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more or less honey. For more depth, stir in a small splash of toasted sesame oil at the end just before serving.
- To make this gluten-free, use tamari labeled gluten-free and ensure any other packaged ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 341 kcal; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Protein: 39 g; Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 1437 mg; Sugar: 18 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
I can’t wait for you to try this—comment below after you make it and share how your family liked it!
Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.