Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort but actually requires minimal hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chicken breasts slowly cooked with fragrant garlic and ginger, sweetened with honey and brown sugar, and complemented with a rich soy-based glaze create a perfectly balanced dish that’s irresistibly delicious. Once shredded and doused in that glossy, thickened teriyaki sauce, every bite melts in your mouth, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. This recipe manages to bring restaurant-level flavor right to your crock pot without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish both vibrant and comforting.

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are perfect for shredding, as they become tender and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic punch that is classic in Asian-inspired dishes.
• 2 teaspoons ginger minced: Brings warmth and a subtle zing that balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and gives it that lovely glaze.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with molasses notes for a richer teriyaki flavor.
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that’s signature to teriyaki dishes.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and help thicken the sauce later.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Creates that luscious, thick teriyaki sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions: Offers a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color when served.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, laying down the foundation of this comforting dish. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic and ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, blending sweet, savory, and tangy elements into one cohesive sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every breast is well coated. Cover and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Patience is key here, as the slow simmer allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors while becoming incredibly tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished cooking, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. This is the stage where the magic texture comes alive — juicy, pull-apart chicken ready to soak up even more sauce.

Step 4: Strain and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the remaining liquid in the slow cooker through a fine strainer into a saucepan, catching any bits of garlic and ginger but leaving a smooth sauce base. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the shredded chicken to the pot or place it in a large serving dish, then pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every morsel of chicken with that deeply flavorful glaze. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and color.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are the secret to making this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe truly pop on the plate. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken. Bright green onions sprinkled over the top lend freshness and a gentle bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you want an extra pop of flavor and texture, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring just the right amount of heat.

Side Dishes

Serving this deliciously saucy chicken over fluffy steamed white rice is a classic choice that never fails. The rice acts as the perfect sponge for soaking up all the savory teriyaki glaze. For a more wholesome option, try it with brown rice or quinoa which add a nutty texture. Steamed or stir-fried veggies such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy provide a fresh, crunchy contrast and balance out the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on dinner, serve this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups or as a filling for soft taco shells with a drizzle of extra sauce and some crunchy slaw on top. You can also pile it onto rice bowls topped with a fried egg and pickled vegetables for a restaurant-style meal at home. Don’t forget that steamed buns or bao are excellent vehicles to showcase these tender, flavorful chicken morsels for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the saucy nature of this dish, the chicken stays moist and flavorful, making it easy to reheat without drying out. Make sure to keep the sauce and chicken together to preserve that luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the shredded chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the sauce warms evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals stirring in between works well for a quick reheat, just be careful not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully because they are naturally more tender and juicy, which can enhance the richness of the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster depending on their size.

Is it necessary to strain the sauce before thickening it?

Straining the sauce helps create a silky smooth teriyaki glaze by removing bits of garlic, ginger, or brown sugar clumps. While not absolutely required, it elevates the texture and appearance of the final sauce, making it more polished and restaurant-quality.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot! Cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes with natural pressure release, then proceed with shredding and thickening the sauce as directed. It’s a great time saver while still delivering tasty results.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey or brown sugar by half and increase the soy sauce slightly to maintain balance. Adding a touch more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavor and offset some sweetness.

Is this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is one of those magic dishes that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make any day of the week. From simple ingredients to that luscious, shreddable chicken drenched in glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a meal that truly hits every craving. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how effortless going from busy schedules to a delicious, comforting dinner can be.

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