Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. The best part is that it cooks slowly, making it easy to prepare with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a wholesome dinner that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
Deliciously Flavorful
The teriyaki sauce is packed with flavor from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, making each bite utterly delightful.
Easy to Prepare
With minimal prep and a slow cooker, you can have a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Meal Option
You can serve this dish with rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a delicious lunch the next day.
Family-Friendly
Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 3-5 hours, depending on cooking method
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to make Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Step 6: Strain the Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
Step 7: Heat the Sauce
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
Step 8: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until dissolved. Pour the cornstarch into the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has just thickened.
Step 9: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat the chicken.
Step 10: Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 0.25 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 0.25 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds For garnish.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.
Finishing
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until dissolved. Pour the cornstarch into the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has just thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat the chicken.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Freeze any extra chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Success
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Make sure to shred the chicken well to absorb the sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar and honey to suit your taste.
Variations to Try
- Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use different proteins, like pork or beef.
- Add pineapple chunks for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate more vegetables, like snap peas or carrots, for a colorful meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase cooking time by an hour.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge before cooking in the morning.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It’s great with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Closing Notes
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect meal for busy families who want delicious food without the fuss. Its sweet and savory flavors are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, with so many serving and storage options, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation. Enjoy this tasty dish and make mealtime a breeze!
