Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken :A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

Introduction

There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and the delightful aroma that fills your home as it simmers to perfection. One dish that embodies all these qualities is Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. This dish is sweet, savory, and infused with the deep umami flavors of teriyaki sauce. Best of all, it requires just a handful of ingredients and can be left to cook while you go about your day.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking for a quick meal, or simply a food lover who enjoys effortless cooking, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and frequently asked questions.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious and easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1/4 cup water (to mix with cornstarch)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Cooked white or brown rice for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. You can cut them into large chunks or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the prepared chicken in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated.

Step 4: Cook on Low or High

• Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 20 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well to ensure every piece is coated with the delicious teriyaki glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the slow cooker teriyaki chicken over steamed white or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

1. Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.

2. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: This step thickens the sauce, creating a rich, luscious texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

3. Make It Ahead of Time: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

4. Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and a burst of color.

5. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the honey and brown sugar slightly.

Variations

1. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

2. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Mix in 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks for a tropical, tangy flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

4. Keto-Friendly Teriyaki Chicken

Replace honey and brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol to make this dish keto-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking and avoid food safety risks. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes.

2. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release, shred the chicken, and thicken the sauce using the sauté function with cornstarch slurry.

3. What can I serve with teriyaki chicken besides rice?

Try serving it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a delicious twist.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

5. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead?

Yes, if you're short on time, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce, but making it from scratch allows you to control the flavor and ingredients.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just ensure your slow cooker has enough space. Cooking time might increase slightly, so check for doneness accordingly.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. With its sweet and savory sauce, juicy chicken, and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even serving guests. Try it out, customize it to your taste, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade teriyaki chicken!

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how you liked it! Happy cooking! 🍽️