If you’re searching for a deliciously comforting dish that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe. Juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a perfectly balanced sauce of soy, honey, and ginger, creating an irresistible combination of sweet and savory that melts in your mouth. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a rich and flavorful meal with minimal effort, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role in building the flavor, texture, and color of this dish. From the saltiness of soy sauce to the sweetness of honey, and the warmth of ginger and garlic, every component contributes to making this recipe a standout.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and perfect for absorbing that amazing teriyaki sauce.
- 1 cup soy sauce: Adds the rich, salty base essential to classic teriyaki flavor.
- ½ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the saltiness beautifully.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts and brightens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a deeper caramel note and enhances sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and zing, giving the dish its signature bite.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty fragrance that rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce to a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch): Helps create the slurry to thicken the sauce uniformly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish): Brings a fresh, crisp note and bursts of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. This lays the foundation for all those delicious flavors to soak right in without any fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This combination creates the distinct balance of sweet, salty, and tangy that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Pour Sauce and Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken so that every piece is generously coated. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you love a thicker, glossy sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of cooking. This step transforms the sauce into a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Shred and Combine
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker to soak up all that flavorful sauce. This makes every bite tender and rich, perfect for serving over your favorite base.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate this dish to restaurant-quality levels. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for nutty crunch and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for color and a hint of bite. These simple touches add visual appeal and subtle layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For some extra freshness, a side of sautéed broccoli or snap peas adds a crisp texture and vibrant green color that complements the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the shredded chicken teriyaki as a bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice or wrapped inside lettuce cups for a lighter option. You can also toss it into freshly cooked noodles or stir it into fried rice for a quick and satisfying meal inspired by takeout classics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it great for quick meals during your busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken teriyaki in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor for later enjoyment.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken moist. Stir occasionally to heat everything evenly, and enjoy as if it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe because they stay extra juicy and absorb the teriyaki sauce deeply. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook a bit faster depending on your slow cooker.
Do I have to add cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
Not at all. The cornstarch slurry is optional. If you prefer a lighter, broth-like sauce, you can skip this step and enjoy the natural texture from the slow cooking process.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stove or in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make a similar teriyaki dish on the stove by simmering the sauce and chicken over low heat or use the slow cooker setting on an Instant Pot. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure chicken is tender and sauce concentrated.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe?
This recipe is not spicy at all, as it focuses on sweet and savory flavors. However, if you want a bit of heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce before cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This small substitution makes the dish perfect for anyone avoiding gluten without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is a genuine lifesaver when you want delicious homemade food without the fuss. Slow cooking brings out the best in every ingredient, and the result is an incredibly tender, flavorful dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. So grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest dinners you’ll ever make!
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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: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken perfectly simmered in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Using a slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare a delicious and comforting meal without much hands-on time, ideal for busy days. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight 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 at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a base for the sauce.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Combine and cook: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to thicken as it finishes cooking.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce so it absorbs the flavors evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the tender shredded chicken teriyaki over steamed rice, garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the honey and brown sugar quantities to control sweetness according to preference.
- Shredding the chicken helps it soak up more of the delicious sauce.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a traditional accompaniment.
