Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker: A Flavorful Delight
On busy days, having a simple and delicious meal ready to enjoy is a lifesaver. This Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken recipe is your go-to solution for an effortless and tasty dinner. With the rich flavors of soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds, this dish is a delightful treat that your family will love. Serve it over a warm bed of rice for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
Why Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Utilizing the slow cooker allows the chicken to soak up all the fragrant spices and honey, resulting in tender, juicy chicken pieces that are simply irresistible. Moreover, the slow cooker sesame chicken method requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for those hectic weekdays when time is limited.
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Ensure they are spread evenly at the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, dried minced onion, vegetable oil, and garlic powder. Stir until the ingredients are well-blended.
- Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the cooking time is nearing completion, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually pour this into the slow cooker, stirring to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before serving. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
- Serve the sesame chicken over a warm bed of rice and enjoy a flavorful, hassle-free meal.
The Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
This recipe not only saves time but also packs a nutritious punch. Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Adding sesame seeds enhances the dish with healthy fats, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, using honey instead of refined sugars provides natural sweetness and various antioxidants.
Optional Healthier Alternatives
For a healthier version, consider using olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a more robust nutrition profile. Furthermore, incorporating vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers can increase the fiber and vitamin content, giving you an even more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
How do you cook chicken in a slow cooker with sesame seeds?
The key is to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, allowing the flavors to meld as the chicken cooks. The inclusion of sesame seeds should be the last step, sprinkled over the chicken just before serving for a delightful crunch.
Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is cooked fully, reaching the necessary temperature to make it safe for consumption.
Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot?
While some recipes allow for frozen chicken to be used in a crockpot, it is safer and more effective to use thawed chicken. Doing so ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the proper temperature quicker.
Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Designed to make your life easier without compromising on taste, this recipe is perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this dish is accessible and sure to delight your taste buds.
