Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. By using a slow cooker (or Crock-Pot), you can achieve tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, homemade teriyaki sauce with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone who loves an easy, flavorful meal that requires little hands-on time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a complete meal in one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

For the best results, it’s helpful to brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Although this step is optional, searing the chicken will lock in juices and add depth to the flavor.

1. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until browned. The goal isn’t to cook the chicken through but to develop a deeper flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker: If you chose not to sear the chicken, you can skip the pan and place the chicken directly into the slow cooker. Be sure to lay the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of this dish. It’s simple to make with just a few pantry staples.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:

   • Soy sauce
   • Honey
   • Rice vinegar
   • Brown sugar
   • Hoisin sauce (if using)
   • Fresh grated ginger (or ground ginger)
   • Minced garlic
   • Water

2. Pour the sauce over the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well-coated. Stir gently if needed to ensure even coverage of the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Set the slow cooker to the correct temperature:

   • Low setting: Cook the chicken for 4-5 hours on low. This method is ideal for tender chicken.
   • High setting: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 2-3 hours.

2. Let the chicken cook: The chicken will absorb all the savory-sweet flavors of the sauce while becoming fork-tender. It’s important to avoid overcooking, so make sure you check the chicken towards the end of the cooking time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be fully cooked.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, you may want to thicken the teriyaki sauce to give it that rich, sticky consistency that’s characteristic of teriyaki dishes.

1. Mix cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely into the water, creating a smooth slurry.

2. Add the slurry to the sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

3. Cook the sauce until thickened: Turn the slow cooker to high heat and let the sauce cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken into a syrupy consistency.

4. Return the chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the sauce. If the sauce has become too thick, you can add a little more water or soy sauce to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the chicken: Place the teriyaki chicken on a plate or platter, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. If you prefer, you can shred the chicken with two forks for a more rustic, pulled-chicken style.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful garnish that adds flavor and texture.

3. Serve with rice and vegetables: Serve your slow-cooked teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. You can also add some steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a complete meal. Stir-fried vegetables also pair well with this dish.

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe because they are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. The fat in chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and moist throughout the slow-cooking process. If using chicken thighs, the cooking time remains the same.

2. Make it Spicy

If you prefer a spicy teriyaki chicken, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a small amount of chili paste to the sauce. Adding a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce will bring heat to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

3. Add Pineapple for Sweetness

For an extra tropical twist, add pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the salty soy sauce.

4. Low-Sodium Options

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and replace the hoisin sauce with a small amount of molasses or honey to keep the flavor balanced.

5. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free version of soy sauce) and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free or leave it out altogether.

6. Serve with Noodles

Instead of rice, serve your teriyaki chicken with cooked noodles for a fun variation. Lo mein, soba, or udon noodles are great options to pair with the flavorful chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker. However, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by the end of the cooking time. Keep in mind that frozen chicken may take longer to cook, so you might need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can double the recipe. Be sure to increase the cooking time slightly if necessary. Just make sure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the slow cooker, as this will affect how evenly it cooks.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook as usual.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. To do so, use the “Sauté” function to brown the chicken (optional) and then add the sauce. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes. Once done, use the quick release method and proceed with thickening the sauce as instructed.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With minimal effort and a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s full of rich, savory flavors with just the right balance of sweet and salty. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can relax and enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. By using a slow cooker (or Crock-Pot), you can achieve tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, homemade teriyaki sauce with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone who loves an easy, flavorful meal that requires little hands-on time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a complete meal in one.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer darker meat)
• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, water, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until the ingredients are well combined.
   
2. Add chicken to the slow cooker:
   Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
   
3. Pour the sauce:
   Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
   
4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   
5. Optional: Thicken the sauce:
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside.
   In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
   
6. Shred the chicken (optional):
   If you like, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce for extra flavor absorption.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve the chicken over steamed rice (white or brown) and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli in the slow cooker for a more colorful and veggie-packed dish. These will cook down and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Make it spicier: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick!

Chicken thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs work beautifully and become even more tender when slow-cooked.

Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers, as the chicken stays juicy and the flavors continue to meld together.