Say goodbye to takeout and hello to this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki! Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect over rice or noodles, this is a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Meal: Let the slow cooker handle the work for an easy, hands-off dinner.
- Family Favorite: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is a hit with everyone at the table.
- Versatile and Delicious: Perfect over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein, serving as the hearty base of this flavorful dish.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a savory touch.
- Ground Ginger: Brings warmth and a subtle spice, complementing the savory and sweet elements of the dish.
- Honey: Infuses sweetness, balancing the savory flavors with a natural touch.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich depth of sweetness, enhancing the caramelization and complexity of flavors.
- Soy Sauce: Offers a robust umami flavor, binding the ingredients together with its savory richness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor, enriching the teriyaki sauce with its distinctive taste.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness, balancing the sweet and savory components with a hint of acidity.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a silky, smooth texture.
- Sesame Seeds: Introduce a pleasant crunch, adding texture and a mild nutty flavor to the dish.
- Chopped Scallions: Offer a fresh, crisp finish, enhancing the dish with their vibrant color and mild onion flavor.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Step One: In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Step Two: Place chicken breasts in an 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Step Three: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Step Four: Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer
Step Five: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add the mixture to the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Step Six: Toss shredded chicken in the thickened sauce, or return chicken to the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and stir.
Step Seven: Plate the chicken, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve!
Top Tips To Cook Chicken Teriyaki In Slow Cooker
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the sauce for an hour before cooking—it makes it extra tasty!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger give the dish a vibrant, restaurant-style flavor.
- Broil for a Crispy Finish: After shredding, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes for a slightly crispy texture.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a zesty, nutty touch!
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Sweet and Tropical: Replace honey with pineapple juice or add pineapple chunks for a fruity flavor.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
What To Serve With Chicken Teriyaki
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: Absorbs the flavorful teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice: Elevate the dish with egg, vegetables, and soy sauce in fried rice.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Include broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms for a nutrient-rich side.
- Asian Slaw: Add a crunchy, tangy contrast with a cabbage and sesame-based slaw.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Perfect as a crispy appetizer or side.
- Sesame Green Beans: Adds a nutty and crisp texture to your plate.
FAQ'S
Yes, but it will increase the cooking time by about an hour. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours for proper doneness.
This recipe is not spicy but can be made so with added red pepper flakes or chili paste.
Yes, but these toppings add texture and flavor.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. Chicken Breast Boneless, Skinless
- 2 tsp. Garlic Minced
- 2 tsp. Ginger Ground
- ¼ Cup Honey
- 3 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp. Sesame Oil
- 2 tbsp. Rice Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Cold Water
- 2 tbsp. Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. Sesame Seeds
- 3 tbsp. Scallion Chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Place chicken breasts in an 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add the mixture to the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss shredded chicken in the thickened sauce, or return chicken to the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and stir.
- Plate the chicken, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve!