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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish) - Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving) The main ingredients for this dish are simple but packed with flavor. You start with chicken thighs. They are juicy and tender. I love using them because they stay moist during cooking. Next, you need the sauce components. The soy sauce gives a rich umami taste. I often use tamari to make it gluten-free. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while garlic and ginger bring freshness. Honey or maple syrup balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, which you can adjust to your taste. Finally, chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds depth. For garnishing elements, I use green onions. They add a nice crunch and color. Sesame seeds give a little extra texture. When you sprinkle these on top, they make the dish look even better. Serve it all over cooked rice or quinoa for a full meal. Start with a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Then, add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Whisk this all together until it blends well. This sauce is key to your chicken's flavor. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce you just made over the chicken. Make sure each thigh is fully covered. This ensures every bite is tasty. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the heat to low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Check when it’s done. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. This slow cooking makes the flavors meld perfectly. Once the cooking time is up, use a fork to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce. This will help soak up more flavor. For serving, take cooked rice or quinoa. Place it in a bowl. Top it with the sesame garlic chicken. Drizzle some extra sauce from the slow cooker on top for more taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and look to your dish. To make your chicken juicy, start with a good marinade. I love mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. This blend adds a lot of flavor and keeps the chicken moist. You can marinate the chicken for one hour or overnight for a deeper taste. Cooking time is key for tender chicken. Use low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, high heat works in 3 to 4 hours. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should shred easily with a fork when it's done. Serving this dish nicely makes it even better. Use a bowl to hold the rice or quinoa. Place the shredded chicken on top and drizzle with extra sauce. This adds a nice touch and keeps the meal warm. For garnishing, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add color, while the sesame seeds give a nice crunch. This simple step makes your meal look gourmet. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes great and works just like soy sauce. If you want a different flavor, try coconut aminos. This option is also soy-free. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or basil can add a nice twist. You might also add a splash of rice vinegar for tang. If you like heat, try using sriracha instead of red pepper flakes. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Steamed broccoli or green beans make great sides too. You can also serve it with a crisp salad for freshness. For meal prep, this dish holds well. You can pack it in containers with rice and veggies. It makes for a quick lunch or dinner during the week. Plus, the flavors deepen when stored. Enjoy it warm or cold! To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. Ensure it cools down first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its taste and texture. For best practices, always let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and keeps the chicken fresh. When reheating, use gentle heat to avoid drying it out. If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely. Then, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. This makes it easy for quick meals later. For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in a pot on low or use the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook well in the sauce. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless. The chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so check them at around 3 hours on high. How do I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, change the amount of red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, add more flakes. For less heat, use fewer flakes or skip them. You can also add a touch of honey to balance the spice. What can I substitute for sesame oil? You can use olive oil or avocado oil as a substitute. The flavor will change, but it will still taste great. For a sesame flavor, try adding a few drops of sesame oil later in the cooking process. Is a slow cooker necessary for this recipe? A slow cooker is not strictly necessary. However, it helps to make the chicken tender and flavorful over time. If you do not have one, you can use a pot on the stove on low heat. Just watch it closely to prevent burning. Can I cook this dish in a different appliance? Yes, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then shred it. This saves time but still gives you a tasty meal. In this post, we covered the essentials for making a delicious chicken dish. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and serving methods. I shared tips for tender chicken and presentation ideas, along with variations to suit your taste. You learned about storage options for leftovers and found answers to common questions. Now, it’s your turn to get cooking. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and make this dish your own. Your kitchen adventure awaits!

Slow Cooker Sesame Garlic Chicken

Indulge in the flavors of Slow Cooker Sesame Garlic Chicken, an easy and delicious recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner. This dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, topped with fresh ginger and a touch of sweetness. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, let the slow cooker do the work! Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this Asian-inspired meal to your table tonight.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup chicken broth

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until well combined.

    Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring each piece of chicken is well coated.

      Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

        Once done, use a fork to shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir the sauce well to mix in the shredded chicken.

          To serve, plate the cooked rice or quinoa, top with the sesame garlic chicken, and drizzle extra sauce from the slow cooker if desired.

            Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 8 hours | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a bowl, placing the chicken on a bed of rice/quinoa, and add a few slices of green onion and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish.