Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce creates a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that simply melt in your mouth. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest, bringing together simple ingredients that transform into an unforgettable dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building those rich and balanced flavors that teriyaki fans adore, plus it’s all stuff you’ll find easily in your pantry or fridge.

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too—choose your favorite cut.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty depth without overpowering the dish.
• 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang that cuts through the richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic pungency and warmth.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a bit of zing and brightness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the luscious sauce at the end.
• 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
• Sesame seeds (optional): For an added nutty crunch and a beautiful garnish.
• Sliced green onions (optional): Perfect for freshness and color on top.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your trimmed boneless chicken thighs or breasts right into the slow cooker in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and allows the magic of the sauce to envelop every bite.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until everything is well combined. This simple mix is what’ll turn into that sweet-salty glaze that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Next, pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is bathed in the flavorful sauce for maximum taste and moisture.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will cook until it’s tender and juicy, soaking up all those incredible teriyaki notes.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it directly into the slow cooker. Allow it to cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your loved consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully remove the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Spoon over some of the thickened teriyaki sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds along with sliced green onions for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 7: Enjoy

Serve your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe alongside fluffy steamed rice, quinoa, or vibrant steamed veggies for a meal that’s as balanced as it is delicious.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions not only gives the dish a gorgeous pop of color but also introduces satisfying texture contrasts. These tiny touches make every bite feel restaurant-quality yet still homey.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a fiber boost. Roasted broccoli or snap peas add freshness and crunch, while quinoa or cauliflower rice work well if you’re aiming for something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of stir-fried vegetables or tossed into a hearty Asian-style salad for a fresh twist. Another fun idea is folding the chicken into steamed bao buns or wrapping it up in lettuce cups for a hand-held delight full of bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe should be transferred into an airtight container and stored in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners all week long.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken, cool it completely first, then place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor, making it a convenient option for busy days ahead.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave it covered to keep the moisture locked in. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce’s lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though they might be slightly leaner and less juicy than thighs. Just be mindful not to overcook so they stay tender and moist.

How thick should the teriyaki sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely but not too gloopy. Using the cornstarch slurry at the end helps achieve that perfect glossy and clingy texture that enhances each bite.

Is it necessary to add garlic and ginger?

While you could skip them, garlic and fresh ginger bring a vibrant punch that truly makes the teriyaki sauce sing. They lift all the flavors and add delicious depth that’s worth keeping in the recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can put everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time you’ll have an effortlessly delicious meal waiting for you. Leftovers also keep well, so it’s fantastic for batch cooking.

What’s the best way to serve this dish for meal prep?

Pairing the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with cooked rice or quinoa and steamed or roasted veggies in portioned containers makes for balanced, tasty meals that reheat beautifully throughout your week.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for busy nights or whenever I want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. It’s a truly satisfying dish that feels special but comes together with such ease. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 69 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with sweet and savory flavors, while an optional cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is ideal served over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Thickener (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish (optional)

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined, creating a balanced sweet and savory sauce.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Evenly pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken inside the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
6. Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Spoon some of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
7. Enjoy: Serve the slow cooker teriyaki chicken alongside rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
8. Store: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, do not skip the cornstarch slurry step.
• Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and a fresh flavor contrast.
• Leftovers can be incorporated into rice bowls or salads for meal prep versatility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian