Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Thighs

Nutty, glossy sesame chicken built on toasted sesame seeds and bloomed garlic and ginger. Deep toasted flavor in every bite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5 10

Total Time 5 20

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (900g)
0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce (120ml)
0.33 cup honey (80ml)
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil the dark, fragrant kind
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup cold water (60ml) for the slurry
3 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted plus more for garnish
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Small dry skillet for toasting sesame seeds

Method

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, shaking often, until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
In the same skillet, warm the sesame oil over medium heat, add the garlic and ginger, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and the bloomed garlic, ginger, and oil, then pour over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
Remove the chicken to a plate. Whisk the cornstarch into the cold water until smooth, stir into the pot, and cook on HIGH 15 to 20 minutes until thick and glossy.
Return the chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle generously with the toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over steamed rice.

Notes

Tips: Toasting the seeds is non-negotiable for real sesame flavor. Use dark toasted sesame oil, not light sesame oil. This is even better on day two after the flavors meld.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days in the sauce. Freezes up to 3 months. Add fresh toasted seeds after reheating.

Nutrition is estimated: about 400 calories per serving.