Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

I have officially made friends with the slow cooker.  I don't know what took me so long to meet this legendary kitchen assistant, nor do I know why there's only really only one "Crock Pot" and all others are to be called slow cookers.

Crock pot, slow cooker. Tomato, tomato.

What's important is that I am now a believer.  A slow cooker is great tool to have in the culinary arsenal as was well-proved in my kitchen the other night.

I decided to make dinner for Doc and my roomie Elizabeth.  Both are non-picky eaters (woo hoo!), so I knew I could try out something new on them, and after perusing a couple of food blogs, I stumbled onto to Table for Two and the recipe below.  Hers is slightly adapted from another blog, Six Sisters' Stuff.  Fairly consistent and with lots of rave reviews, I knew this recipe was perfect to familiarize me with the ways of the slow cooker.  Served on top of short grain brown rice and alongside steamed broccoli, this was a meal simple in execution and kind on the wallet.  Doc and E both had seconds, a unquestionable sign of success.

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Serves 4
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 5 or 6
salt and pepper
1 cup honey
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 tablespoons of water
sesame seeds

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker insert and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides (use tongs to turn).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, oil, garlic, onion and red pepper flakes.  Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.
4. When done, remove chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.  Prior to returning chicken to the slow cooker, whisk in the dissolved cornstarch, replace lid, and cook on high for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Return chicken to sauce and toss to coat.  
6. Serve over rice and sprinkle sesame seeds on top

And to prove the recipe's mettle, Doc gave it a thumbs up.  I promise it's his thumb.