The beauty of this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is in its ease and richness of flavor. Chicken thighs and breasts soak up a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, honey, garlic, and ginger until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.
This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious meal with minimal effort. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this slow cooker recipe will become your new go-to.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp sriracha (optional)
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp cold water
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
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Sliced spring onions, for garnish
Directions:
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Add chicken thighs and breasts to your slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
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Mix cornstarch and cold water into a slurry. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until thickened.
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Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
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Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe. Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish brings together convenience and taste in the best way possible. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-have in your rotation.
A Little History: What Is Teriyaki?
Teriyaki is a cooking technique rooted in Japanese cuisine that involves broiling or grilling meats in a glaze made primarily of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and sugar. The word “teriyaki” itself comes from teri (meaning “shine” or “luster”) and yaki (meaning “grill” or “broil”), referring to the beautiful glossy finish the sauce gives to meat. While traditional teriyaki is typically made on a grill or stovetop, adapting it to the slow cooker offers a modern, fuss-free twist on this flavorful classic.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Teriyaki Chicken?
One of the most significant benefits of using a slow cooker is how effortlessly it transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. With this method, the chicken absorbs all the teriyaki goodness over hours of low and slow cooking. The result? Incredibly tender chicken that practically falls apart with a fork, coated in a sticky, sweet, and salty glaze that clings to every bite.
It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or even entertaining guests. Just dump the ingredients in, walk away, and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aroma of teriyaki perfection.
Healthier Than Takeout
Unlike most takeout teriyaki chicken dishes that are often loaded with sugar, sodium, and mystery ingredients, this homemade version allows you to control exactly what goes into your meal. Here’s why this version is a healthier alternative:
- Lower sodium: By using low-sodium soy sauce, you get all the flavor without the salt overload.
- Natural sweetness: A combination of honey and brown sugar creates a balanced sweetness without the need for artificial syrups.
- Lean protein: This recipe uses a mix of boneless chicken breasts and thighs, offering both leanness and juicy texture.
- Customizable heat: You can add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick—or leave it out for a milder, family-friendly version.
- No additives or preservatives: Everything is fresh, simple, and wholesome.
What Makes This Teriyaki Chicken the Best?
There are hundreds of teriyaki recipes out there, so what makes this one stand out? It’s all about balance, ease, and versatility.
- Perfectly Balanced Sauce: Some teriyaki sauces are too salty or too sweet. This one hits the sweet spot—literally. With a well-measured blend of soy, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger, it brings umami depth, sweet brightness, and aromatic warmth to every bite.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: The prep time is just 10 minutes, but you’d never guess it from the depth of flavor you get after hours of slow cooking.
- Shreds Like a Dream: After slow cooking, the chicken is fork-tender and absorbs the thickened teriyaki glaze beautifully.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for batch cooking.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory flavor. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredient Highlights
Let’s break down a few of the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Garlic and Ginger: These are flavor powerhouses. Freshly minced garlic and ginger give the sauce its aromatic punch and a hint of spice.
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of the teriyaki flavor. Using a low-sodium version keeps the dish healthier while still rich and satisfying.
- Honey + Brown Sugar: This duo offers a layered sweetness—honey gives a smooth floral note while brown sugar adds caramel depth.
- Sesame Oil: A touch of toasted sesame oil goes a long way in giving the dish that authentic Asian flair.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken—just like your favorite takeout.
How to Serve It
The best thing about this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken? You can serve it so many ways:
- Over Steamed White Rice: Classic and comforting. The sauce soaks into the rice for a bowlful of deliciousness.
- With Brown Rice or Quinoa: A fiber-rich, health-conscious choice.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option that’s fresh and crisp.
- As a Teriyaki Bowl: Add steamed broccoli, edamame, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a complete rice bowl.
- In Sandwiches or Sliders: Stuff the shredded chicken into buns with slaw for an Asian-inspired twist on pulled chicken sandwiches.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Tips
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is:
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Use Only Thighs or Breasts: You can stick with one or the other based on your preferences—thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
- Make It Spicy: Add more sriracha, red chili flakes, or even a drizzle of chili oil if you like heat.
- Use Pineapple Juice: Swap half the vinegar for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Storage and Reheating
This dish stores wonderfully and tastes just as good the next day. In fact, some say it’s even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm it in a pan over low heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, no-fail recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something sweet and savory, this dish delivers every time.
Its tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich teriyaki glaze makes it a standout favorite—and once you try it, it’s sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner menu. Versatile, kid-approved, and freezer-friendly, this recipe proves that great flavor doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and watch it become your new weeknight hero.