Description
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it uses basic ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the trimmed boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker, ensuring 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece is coated thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high setting for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender to the touch.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker sauce, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon some of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve the chicken alongside rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to complete a satisfying and delicious meal.
- Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker and chicken cut thickness; always check for doneness.
- The cornstarch slurry step is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Leftover chicken works great in salads or wraps the next day.
