Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious, savory dish that combines the rich flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce with tender, juicy chicken. Perfectly cooked in the slow cooker, this dish requires minimal hands-on time while offering maximum flavor. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a gathering, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and satisfying choice. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken absorbs all the delicious, tangy-sweet sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful.

This recipe makes it simple to create a tasty Asian-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook to perfection while the sauce thickens and intensifies, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. Best of all, it requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this easy, flavorful dish, including tips and tricks for achieving the best results. You’ll also learn how to customize the recipe to your preferences and serve it with a variety of sides to complete your meal.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Effortless and Hands-Off: The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this recipe ideal for busy days. You simply add the ingredients, set it, and let the cooker do its magic while you go about your day.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the teriyaki sauce as it cooks.
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe uses a simple homemade teriyaki sauce that is both flavorful and customizable to your liking. It’s a great way to control the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.
• Family-Friendly and Versatile: This dish is perfect for family dinners and can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a variety of meal options.
• Minimal Cleanup: With the slow cooker doing all the work, cleanup is a breeze. Most of the cooking happens in one pot, so you won’t have a pile of dishes to worry about after dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 40-45g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cold water (for mixing with cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. If you’re using chicken breasts, you may want to trim any excess fat or skin before adding them to the slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe is that both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Chicken thighs, in particular, tend to stay juicier and more tender during the slow cooking process, but either cut will work perfectly.

2. Mix the Teriyaki Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This mixture forms the base of your homemade teriyaki sauce, which will cook and thicken as the chicken simmers in the slow cooker. The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, while the ginger and garlic add depth and aroma to the sauce.

Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken, and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar; if you prefer a more savory sauce, add a little more soy sauce.

3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Once the sauce is well-mixed, pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce so that every piece is flavored. The sauce will begin to infuse into the chicken as it cooks, making the meat tender and flavorful.

4. Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken and your slow cooker. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. At the end of the cooking time, the chicken should be tender and infused with the teriyaki sauce, which will have reduced and thickened during the slow cooking process.

5. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should be incredibly tender, so it will shred easily. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to ensure it’s well-coated.

6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch to achieve that desired consistency. In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, then cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high. The sauce will thicken as it continues to cook.

7. Serve

Once the chicken is shredded and the sauce has reached the desired thickness, it’s time to serve! Spoon the teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. For added flavor and a touch of crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.

Serve the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with additional vegetables like steamed broccoli, stir-fried carrots, or a side salad to complete your meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness: While chicken breasts are great for this recipe, chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender when cooked in the slow cooker. If you want a richer, more flavorful dish, use thighs instead of breasts.
• Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free soy sauce that tastes just like the traditional version.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce comes from honey and brown sugar. Feel free to adjust these amounts based on your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey and sugar, or add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Add Vegetables: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even carrots to the slow cooker along with the chicken. These vegetables will cook down in the sauce and add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
• Add Spiciness: If you enjoy a little heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
• Serve with Rice or Noodles: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even rice noodles. The rice helps soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
• Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Variations of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken: If you love the sweetness of honey, increase the amount of honey in the recipe to make a honey-forward teriyaki chicken. You can also substitute the brown sugar with additional honey to enhance the flavor.
• Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add a bit of tropical flair by incorporating pineapple into the dish. You can add chunks of fresh pineapple or use canned pineapple chunks. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Slow Cooker Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: For those who like a bit of heat, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a minced jalapeño to the slow cooker. The spicy kick will balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables: Add some stir-fry vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and snap peas, to the slow cooker. The vegetables will cook down in the sauce and add extra texture and flavor to the dish.
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Instead of cooking the chicken in the slow cooker, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto skewers. Grill or broil the skewers, basting them with teriyaki sauce for a deliciously smoky flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

While Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can take your meal to the next level:

• Steamed Rice: Classic steamed rice is the perfect side dish to serve with teriyaki chicken. The rice soaks up the sauce and complements the tender chicken.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick vegetable stir-fry with bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli would pair beautifully with this dish. The fresh, crunchy vegetables offer a nice contrast to the savory chicken.
• Asian-Style Salad: An Asian-inspired salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, and sesame seeds makes a refreshing and crunchy side dish.
• Miso Soup: Miso soup is a comforting and light side dish that complements the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for a healthy, flavorful addition to your meal.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring the chicken turns out tender and juicy while soaking up the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Whether served over rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part is that it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.