If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically makes itself while you get on with your day, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Tender chicken bathed in a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees juicy chicken and rich, glossy sauce every time without standing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and umami flavor. Each one plays a key role in building that signature teriyaki taste while keeping the chicken tender and moist.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, trimmed of excess fat for best results.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory backbone of the teriyaki flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze as it cooks down.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Gives a gentle tang that balances out the sweetness and deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts warmth and a punch of flavor to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zingy, aromatic note that’s vital in authentic teriyaki.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end for that perfect silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon water: Combined with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted seeds bring a nice crunch and nuttiness when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by layering the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts directly into the slow cooker in a single, even layer. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to coat each piece beautifully. Trimming any excess fat from the chicken beforehand helps keep the dish clean and pleasant.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This combination blends sweetness, tang, and spice in perfect harmony and forms the magic that transforms simple chicken into something truly special.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece gets generously coated. This step lets the chicken soak up all those wonderful flavors as it slowly cooks to mouthwatering tenderness.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in meat that’s juicy, tender, and infused with every hint of the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your teriyaki sauce with a bit more body, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce right in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a luscious glaze that sticks to the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and arrange it on a serving platter. Spoon some of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you’re using them. These simple garnishes elevate the dish both in taste and appearance.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve your slow cooker teriyaki chicken over fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or a bed of steamed veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like sesame seeds and sliced green onions add delightful texture and a fresh burst of flavor. The tiny crunch of toasted sesame seeds paired with the bright, crisp bite of green onions makes every forkful more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the aromatic sauce perfectly. For a healthier twist, you can serve it alongside quinoa or a vibrant stir-fry of crisp vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe into lettuce wraps or pile it atop a bowl of noodles for a comforting teriyaki noodle bowl. You can also shred the cooked chicken to toss into wraps, salads, or even tacos for a fusion-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful when you reheat it.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion the cooked chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help maintain moisture and refresh those bold flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and make a leaner option, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during the slow cooking process.
Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with cornstarch?
Not necessarily. The cornstarch slurry is optional and used if you prefer a thicker, glaze-like sauce. Without it, the sauce will be thinner but still delicious and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for the sauce ingredients and then pressure cooking the chicken for about 10 minutes. Just be sure to use the sauté mode again to thicken the sauce afterward if desired.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the slow cooker?
Cooking the chicken on low heat and using dark meat like thighs can help keep it tender and juicy. Also, make sure the chicken is evenly coated in sauce to lock in moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Yes! Veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be added in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking. They add color and a nice contrast to the rich chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special, making it a real winner for any night of the week. It’s hands-off but yields big flavors and tender chicken that everyone will love. Give it a try and see how a handful of simple ingredients and your slow cooker can come together for a meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
Print
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts slow-cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a hands-off meal served with rice or vegetables, with an optional thickened sauce for added richness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Thickening Slurry (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker sauce, cover, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Spoon some of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using.
- Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on preference; thighs tend to stay moister.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry step is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker brand and model.
- Leftover chicken can also be shredded and used in wraps or salads.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add flavor and visual appeal but can be omitted if desired.
