Craving a flavorful, homemade teriyaki chicken that’s tender, juicy, and soaked in a sweet and savory sauce? This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, delicious meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your slow cooker! Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it over steamed rice with a side of veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy and tasty recipe!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Teriyaki:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2 lbs)
- Soy sauce (½ cup, low sodium)
- Honey (⅓ cup)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed)
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Ginger (1 tbsp, freshly grated or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- Sesame oil (1 tsp)
- Water (½ cup)
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and water until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Shred the cooked chicken with two forks or slice it into strips. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the chicken teriyaki over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the chicken teriyaki with steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Helpful Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or brown sugar to taste.
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Jamie Oliver suggests using fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
Rachael Ray recommends serving the dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies for added texture.
Ina Garten advises drizzling a little extra sesame oil on top just before serving to enhance the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will be more tender and juicy.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the “Slow Cook” function or pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low heat and using chicken thighs instead of breasts can help prevent drying out. Additionally, avoid overcooking by checking for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the extra volume.
What can I serve with Chicken Teriyaki?
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, quinoa, or alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki—a flavorful, easy, and satisfying dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen!
