Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: An Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a family-friendly, hassle-free dinner that tastes like takeout? This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is here to save your busy weeknights! Tender shredded chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds. Say goodbye to store-bought sauces—this homemade version is healthier, packed with flavor, and comes together effortlessly in your trusty slow cooker.

I first tried this recipe on a chaotic Tuesday when I needed a meal that practically cooked itself. I couldn’t believe how flavorful it was with minimal prep—a win in my book! Now, it’s one of my go-to slow cooker recipes for busy weeks, and I love customizing it with veggies or serving it over fluffy white rice for an ultra-satisfying meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Making homemade teriyaki chicken in a slow cooker is easier than you think! With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful dish ready to impress. Here’s everything you need to know.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious, low-fuss dish. It keeps things simple, using common pantry items for a no-stress cooking experience. These measurements serve 6 people, but feel free to adjust for your needs!

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)

Kitchen tool: You’ll need a slow cooker for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a crockpot works perfectly as well!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s your quick and easy guide to making easy teriyaki chicken slow cooker magic happen. Trust me, you’ll nail it on the first try!

1. Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
3. Add the sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
6. Thicken the sauce: Pour the sauce from your slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it simmers. Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine: Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
8. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice or alongside your favorite veggies.

That’s it! You just made the best shredded teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe—easy, right?

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Take your teriyaki chicken to the next level with these simple yet effective tips:

• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce: This gives you more control over the saltiness, letting the sweet and savory flavors shine.
• Customize with veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for a full one-pot meal.
• Double the sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the ingredients for the teriyaki mixture to ensure you have plenty to drizzle over rice or veggies.
• Storage tips: Leftover chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve the tender texture.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones to help you make the most of this recipe:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work well in this recipe and stay tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, this is a relatively healthy slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe! It’s made with wholesome ingredients and skips the preservatives and added sugar often found in store-bought sauces.

Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend starting with frozen chicken in the slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Thaw your chicken in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?

White or brown rice is classic, but cauliflower rice works for a low-carb option. Add some steamed veggies for a balanced meal!

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder is an excellent substitute. Mix it the same way, and you’ll get similar results.

Conclusion

Thanks to your slow cooker, dinner has never been easier—or tastier! This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is the perfect go-to meal for busy nights, offering all the flavor of restaurant teriyaki chicken with none of the fuss. Trust me, your family will think you ordered takeout!

Ready to give it a try? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. And if you’re looking for more flavorful and easy slow cooker meals, check out our other recipes for a stress-free weeknight lineup. Happy cooking!