Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, minimal effort, and a touch of sweet-savory goodness, you’ve found it. This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a total game-changer. The chicken comes out so tender it practically falls apart, soaking up that delicious homemade teriyaki sauce as it cooks low and slow. Trust me, the aroma will fill your house and have you counting down the minutes until it’s ready.

Perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or whenever you just want something comforting yet packed with flavor, this dish delivers! Serve it with a side of rice or steamed veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

This dish isn’t just about chicken—it’s about creating that crave-worthy balance of sweet and salty with no hassle. Here’s why it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes:

Effortless Cooking

Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you relax or take care of other things. Easy peasy!

Flavor Explosion

The homemade teriyaki sauce gives the chicken an irresistible sweet-savory punch. As it simmers, it gets even better, with the sauce thickening up and coating each piece of chicken.

Versatile

You can serve this chicken in so many ways! It’s perfect over steamed rice, paired with stir-fried veggies, or even tucked into a wrap for a quick lunch. It’s also great for meal prep.

Family-Friendly

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, making it a hit for all ages.

Budget-Friendly

With simple, everyday ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet while still packing tons of flavor.

Ingredients

The ingredients list for this recipe is simple, but the result is anything but bland. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this dish, staying tender and juicy as they cook in the teriyaki sauce.
• Soy Sauce: The base for your teriyaki sauce. It gives that deep umami flavor that makes teriyaki so irresistible.
• Honey: For that sweet balance to the soy sauce. It helps create the perfect sticky glaze on the chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings depth and a savory kick to the sauce.
• Ginger: A little bit of fresh ginger adds warmth and a subtle zing that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce and makes it luscious, helping it coat the chicken beautifully.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a touch of richness and enhances the flavor profile.
• Green Onions: For garnish, adding a fresh, zesty crunch to the finished dish.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps for tender, flavorful chicken teriyaki that’ll have you feeling like a pro chef.

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t worry about any extra preparation—the chicken will cook beautifully on its own!

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add in the sesame oil and stir until everything is combined. This sauce is going to give your chicken that signature teriyaki flavor.

Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is easily shreddable with a fork.

Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is done, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix a bit of cornstarch with water, then stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken up into that perfect, glossy glaze.

Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken over steamed rice, with stir-fried vegetables, or in a wrap. Top it with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that authentic touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low / 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4-5 hours

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

While this chicken is amazing on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Steamed Rice: The classic pairing for teriyaki chicken. It absorbs all the flavorful sauce and is the perfect base for your dish.
• Stir-Fried Veggies: Serve with a side of stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful and healthy side.
• Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles, like soba or udon, for a noodle dish that’s just as delicious.
• In a Wrap: For a quick and easy lunch, serve the chicken in a wrap with fresh vegetables, a drizzle of extra sauce, and a few sesame seeds.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, they work wonderfully in this recipe as well. They’ll stay juicy and tender as they cook.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Add them in the last hour of cooking for best results.
• Meal Prep: This chicken makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to extend the cooking time a little bit. Frozen chicken breasts may need an extra hour of cooking.

Q2: Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pour it over the chicken when you’re ready to cook.

Q3: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

A3: Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake. The honey and other ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor.

Q4: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A4: Yes! You can swap honey for maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but still delicious.

Q5: How can I make the sauce thicker?

A5: If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce towards the end of cooking. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken up.

Q6: Can I use this recipe for chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A6: Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful, and they can be cooked for the same amount of time.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

A7: Yes, you can! If you’re using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, cook the chicken on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then use the sauté function to thicken the sauce.

Q8: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A8: Yes! You can substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and make a simple teriyaki sauce with the same ingredients. It’ll still be delicious!

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A9: Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Add them to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking to keep them fresh and tender.

Q10: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A10: Yes! This dish freezes really well. Just let the chicken cool down completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, sweet-savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you want something comforting, easy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making it for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some flavorful chicken, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!

Print