Sticky Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken (Slow Cooker Style)

What this makes

Ultra-tender chicken pieces coated in a thick, shiny, sweet-savory sauce with garlic and soy — perfect over rice.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Chicken

2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
(thighs are best for this — juicy and tender)
Salt & pepper (lightly)

Sauce

½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
½ cup honey
¼ cup ketchup
3 tbsp brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

To thicken

2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

Garnish

1–2 tbsp white sesame seeds
Optional: sliced green onions

Equipment

Slow cooker / crockpot
Small bowl
Spoon or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the chicken

Cut chicken thighs into large bite-size chunks (about 1½–2 inches).

Season lightly with salt and pepper — don’t overdo it since soy sauce is salty.

Place chicken directly into the slow cooker.

2. Make the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce
Honey
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Garlic
Ginger
Vinegar
Sesame oil
Chili flakes (if using)

The sauce should taste sweet, salty, garlicky, slightly tangy.

Pour sauce over the chicken.

3. Slow cook

Cover and cook:

LOW for 4–5 hours
or
HIGH for 2½–3 hours

Chicken should be very tender but still holding its shape.

4. Thicken the sauce (important step)

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.

Pour into the slow cooker and gently stir.

Cover again and cook:

HIGH for 15–20 minutes

The sauce will turn dark, thick, and glossy, clinging to the chicken like in the photo.

5. Finish & garnish

Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.

Optional: add green onions for color.

Let rest uncovered for 5 minutes to fully thicken.

How to Serve

Over steamed white rice 🍚
With fried rice or noodles
In lettuce wraps
Meal-prep friendly — tastes even better next day

Pro Tips (for that exact look)

Use chicken thighs, not breasts
Don’t skip the ketchup — it adds color + shine
If sauce isn’t thick enough, add another 1 tsp cornstarch slurry
Want extra sticky? Remove lid last 10 minutes

Flavor Profile

Sweet & savory
Deep garlic-soy richness
Mild sesame finish
Tender, pull-apart chicken