Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet, savory, and incredibly easy dish that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors right to your dinner table. This recipe delivers tender shredded chicken coated in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without the hassle. The slow cooker makes the chicken tender and juicy, while the homemade teriyaki sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s family-friendly, versatile, and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

Bowl of slow cooker teriyaki chicken with rice and fresh green onions.
Homemade teriyaki chicken perfect for dinner
  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours.
  5. Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
  6. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
  7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  8. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then add to the sauce.
  9. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
  10. Pour the sauce over shredded chicken and toss to coat.
  11. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is best served over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Crockpot teriyaki chicken with glossy sauce and shredded chicken pieces.
Tender shredded chicken in rich teriyaki sauce

Tips & Tricks

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
  • Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or sugar
  • Use fresh ginger for more vibrant flavor
  • Double the sauce if you like extra for serving

Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Diet: Halal-friendly
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken served over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken made in the slow cooker

Notes

  • Serve with white rice, brown rice, or noodles
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
  • Substitute maple syrup for honey if desired

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 10g

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can simmer longer or use arrowroot powder.

Can I skip straining the sauce?
Yes, but straining gives a smoother texture.

What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables pair perfectly.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm gently and add a splash of water if needed
Close-up of teriyaki chicken with thick sauce and sesame garnish.
Easy crockpot chicken with bold flavor

Similar Recipes

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is made with chicken, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours.
  • Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
  • Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  • Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then add to the sauce.
  • Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
  • Pour the sauce over shredded chicken and toss to coat.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  • This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is best served over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Serve with white rice, brown rice, or noodles

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. With tender chicken and a rich, glossy sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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