Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Flavorful and Tender: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken absorbs the rich teriyaki flavors, resulting in moist and delicious meat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, catering to various preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Toasted sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
- Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix with the sauce, and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version.
- Vegetable Addition: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different take on this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, and avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered pan for about 30 minutes until tender.
Is teriyaki chicken healthy?
This version uses natural sweeteners and less sodium, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low heat.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce naturally.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then use a quick release.
Does this recipe work with bottled teriyaki sauce?
You can use bottled sauce, but homemade tastes fresher and allows for better control of ingredients.
How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos and reduce added salt.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the sauce and store it with raw chicken in the fridge overnight or freeze for later use.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, it delivers a satisfying and wholesome meal every time.
Print
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken infused with a rich, sweet, and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless slow cooker meal pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Toasted sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Thickening (Optional):
- Cornstarch
- Cold water
- Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Arrange Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cook:
- Low: 4-5 hours
- High: 2-3 hours
- Shred Chicken: Remove and shred the chicken using two forks.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Mix cornstarch with cold water, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix with sauce, and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be added in the last hour.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
