Ready in: 6 hours · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This Skinny Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is a simple, hearty dish bursting with sweet-savory flavors, perfect for busy weeks or holiday gatherings.
As the chilly air of late fall sweeps through New York City, I’m reminded of the comforting meals that nourish both the body and soul—especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. This Skinny Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeks when I still want a home-cooked, hearty meal. The best part? It’s incredibly simple, health-conscious, and bursting with that sweet-savory flavor I crave.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a healthier option.
- The sweet-savory flavors will make your taste buds dance.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Leftovers taste even better, making it a great meal prep choice.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Skinny Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple instructions to create a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl until well combined. The aroma is divine; you’ll immediately feel that warmth of ginger and the sweetness of honey swirling around your kitchen.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into your trusty slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours. As the hours pass, the delicious aroma will fill your home, beckoning everyone to the kitchen in anticipation. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside, then mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce until it’s glossy and thick. The transformation is magical—your sauce will have the perfect consistency to cling to the chicken.
Step 4: Serve with Style
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it in that luscious sauce. Serve this dish over a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa, adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that final touch. I can already see the vibrant colors popping on the plate!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bone-in chicken: Thigh fillets work best for tenderness; bone-in will require more cooking time and won’t shred well.
- Overcooking: Monitor the cooking time so the chicken doesn’t dry out or become mushy; just because it’s a slow cooker doesn’t mean it’s foolproof!
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is essential for achieving the desired sauce thickness—don’t skip it!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Marinade overnight: If time allows, marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight intensifies the flavors.
- Add veggies: For an extra nutrient boost, throw in some broccoli or bell peppers 30 minutes before serving.
- Spicy kick: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Variations
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Substitute agave nectar for honey for a vegan alternative.
- Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate additional spices like five-spice powder for extra depth.
How to Serve
- Serve over a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for heightened flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
As I experimented with this recipe, I realized how simple ingredients can create profoundly satisfying meals. This dish not only feeds the body but fills the heart, making it perfect for family gatherings this holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 25g protein · 20g carbs · 8g fat
Sweet and Savory Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside, then mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce until it’s glossy and thick.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it in that luscious sauce. Serve this dish over a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may dry out if overcooked. Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor in slow cooking.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce like Tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavors. Just cook it in the slow cooker the next day as directed.
