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Easy Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs (Best Recipe)

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Tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers takeout-quality flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
  2. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, spreading them in a single layer as much as possible.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Remove the lid and gently stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker, or leave thighs whole.
  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

Do not skip the cornstarch slurry—it is essential for a thick, glossy sauce. Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts for tenderness. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey sesame chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, honey sesame chicken, Asian chicken recipe

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