If you’re craving something that bursts with flavor yet requires minimal fuss, this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender chicken breasts slowly soak up a luscious blend of soy sauce, honey, and aromatic ginger, resulting in a dish that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s comfort food made easy, with a rich sauce that’s just waiting to be drizzled over rice or noodles. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for busy nights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the deep, satisfying flavors and lovely texture that make this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe so special. From the salty-sweetness of soy sauce and honey to the zing of fresh ginger and garlic, every component adds its own magic.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein becomes incredibly tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 cup soy sauce: The savory backbone that infuses the chicken with classic teriyaki flavor.
- ½ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, beautiful sauce.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweet and salty perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the sauce color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant earthiness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a slight spicy kick that livens up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Introduces a nutty aroma that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Use this to thicken the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch): Helps create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish): Offers a fresh, crisp bite and bright color contrast.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Ensuring they’re spread out helps the chicken cook thoroughly and soak up the sauce from all sides, making every morsel tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Combining these ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker ensures a harmonious blend of flavors that will deeply penetrate the chicken during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Low and Slow
Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken, cover the slow cooker, and set it to cook. Opt for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high, depending on your schedule. The gentle heat breaks down the chicken fibers, transforming it into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your teriyaki sauce with a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. This simple step gives you a glossy, clingy sauce that hugs the shredded chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir everything together. This allows the chicken to absorb even more of the sauce, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Get Ready to Serve
Now your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is ready to wow. Scoop it generously over steamed rice or your favorite base and prepare for a truly comforting meal that tastes like it took hours of labor but was actually a breeze!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top just before serving. These garnishes not only add pops of vibrant color but also bring a delightful crunch and freshness to the rich, saucy chicken.
Side Dishes
Complement the teriyaki chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a classic pairing. Alternatively, serve alongside sautéed or steamed veggies such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced, nutritious plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Use this chicken to stuff rice paper wraps or lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. You could also toss it into a salad with crunchy cabbage and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a vibrant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer your leftover chicken teriyaki to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and keep for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver when you want a ready-to-go meal without any prep!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, keeping that lovely saucy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they tend to be juicier and even more flavorful after slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar. Both options will still provide the sweet balance needed for teriyaki sauce, though the flavor will be a little different.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely but not so thick that it becomes gluey. Using cornstarch to thicken is optional and can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Make the sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker and start cooking.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Try serving the Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe over cauliflower rice, noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes for a fun twist on a familiar meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet it comes together so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it delivers incredible flavor with minimal hands-on time. Give it a try and let this recipe become your new favorite in the slow cooker rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for effortless meal prep, this dish is easy to make and ideal for serving over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Thickening (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook for the remaining time uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened sauce to coat well.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have cornstarch, you can simmer the sauce after removing the chicken to reduce it and thicken naturally.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt content.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- The cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
