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!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- 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.
⭐ Star 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.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & 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.
🔪How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Step 2: 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 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Step 4: Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: 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 6: Toss shredded chicken in the thickened sauce, or return chicken to the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and stir.
- Step 7: Plate the chicken, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- 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!
💭 FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken In The Slow Cooker?
Yes, but it will increase the cooking time by about an hour. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours for proper doneness.
Is Chicken Teriyaki Spicy?
This recipe is not spicy but can be made so with added red pepper flakes or chili paste.
Can I Skip The Sesame Seeds And Scallions?
Yes, but these toppings add texture and flavor.
Best Way To Store Leftovers?
Store the chicken teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some sides to serve Slow Cooker 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.
- Air Fryer Cheesesteak Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Perfect as a crispy appetizer or side.
- Sesame Green Beans: Adds a nutty and crisp texture to your plate.
🍽 Chicken Dishes You Will Love
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Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful, easy dinner your family will love! Tender shredded chicken coated in a sweet, sticky sauce—perfect over rice or noodles!
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!
Notes
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!
Nutrition
Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 20gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 913mgPotassium: 392mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
This teriyaki chicken is a weeknight game-changer! The sweet and savory sauce clings to the tender, shredded chicken perfectly. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delightful meal that beats takeout any day.