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.