Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: Tender and Flavorful
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a hassle-free dish that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. With just 10 minutes of prep and 4–5 hours of slow cooking, this dish is perfect for busy days. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
For more delicious slow cooker meals, check out Slow Cooker Beef Brisket.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and either shred it with two forks or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the sauce and mix well.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
For another easy chicken dish, try Baked Crispy Chicken.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness – Chicken thighs stay even more tender than breasts.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.
- Don’t overcook – Check the chicken after 4 hours on low to prevent it from drying out.
- Double the sauce – If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, double the sauce ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. It’s healthier than takeout, customizable to your taste, and pairs well with various sides.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Combine the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Store cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this teriyaki chicken with steamed white rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles. Add a side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy an easy, delicious dinner!
