Forget complicated weeknight meals! This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe brings the delicious flavors of classic teriyaki right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in a homemade sweet and savory sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a delightful, family-favorite meal perfect for busy parents and beginners, promising satisfying results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making this flavorful slow cooker teriyaki chicken will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Here’s why it stands out:

Minimal Active Preparation: Spend just minutes prepping, then let your slow cooker do all the work.
Effortless Crock Pot Cooking: Set it and forget it, resulting in a delicious meal without constant attention.
Tender, Shredded Chicken: The low and slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender chicken every time.
Sweet, Savory Homemade Sauce: Craft a perfect teriyaki sauce from scratch with simple pantry ingredients.
Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it over rice, in wraps, or with your favorite vegetables.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: An ideal solution for busy evenings when you need a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

This simple Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses readily available ingredients to create a rich, authentic flavor.

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
¼ cup honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
¼ cup cold water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences and what you have on hand. For the protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully too, offering even more moisture. Always choose low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of your dish; regular soy sauce can make it too salty. If fresh ginger isn’t available, use ⅔ teaspoon of ground ginger instead. For sweetness, maple syrup can replace honey if needed, though honey provides a unique depth of flavor. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder works just as well to thicken the sauce, using the same amount. Finally, garlic paste from a tube is a great time-saver if you don’t have fresh garlic.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items for this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe.

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this amount of chicken.
Several small mixing bowls for preparing the sauce ingredients.
A whisk helps combine the sauce smoothly.
A medium saucepan for thickening the sauce on the stovetop.
A fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth sauce.
Two forks for easily shredding the tender chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Creating this delightful slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions. You’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.

Prepare the Chicken: First, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, honey, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
Pour Over Chicken: Carefully pour the whisked teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
Cook the Chicken: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable.
Remove and Shred: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a clean plate or shallow bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Strain the Sauce: Pour the liquid remaining in the slow cooker through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. This removes any small bits of ginger or garlic for a smoother sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan with the strained sauce on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, combine the ¼ cup cold water with the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This is your cornstarch slurry.
Thicken the Sauce: While the sauce in the saucepan is simmering, slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to whisk gently.
Cook to Thicken: Allow the sauce to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the saucepan with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Toss to Coat: Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are thoroughly coated.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Transfer the saucy chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
Garnish with Green Onions: Finish with a scatter of sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Serve Immediately: Your homemade slow cooker teriyaki chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your slow cooker teriyaki chicken.

Achieving Perfect Tenderness: Don’t overcook the chicken; it will become dry.

Always check for doneness around the shorter end of the cooking time range. The science of cooking explains that long cooking times at specific temperatures are necessary for breaking down collagen into gelatin, which contributes to the desired tenderness in meat. For more information, explore the science behind slow cooking meat.
Thickening the Sauce: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent lumps.
Shredding Easily: Using two forks against each other makes quick work of shredding the tender chicken right after cooking.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker.
Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the sauce after simmering and before thickening. Add a touch more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter teriyaki chicken.
Troubleshooting Thin Sauce: If your sauce doesn’t thicken enough, simply mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Troubleshooting Dry Chicken: If your chicken turns out dry, reduce the cooking time by 30-60 minutes next batch, or consider using chicken thighs for more forgiving moisture.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile slow cooker teriyaki chicken makes an excellent centerpiece for many meals.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it generously over fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic meal.
Pair it with quinoa, ramen noodles, or egg noodles for a different textural experience.
Add a side of roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or stir-fried bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use the savory chicken as a filling for fresh lettuce wraps for a lighter, refreshing option.
Create delicious teriyaki chicken bowls with rice, mixed greens, and a sprinkle of shredded carrots.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps your delicious teriyaki chicken fresh for future meals.

Allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your slow cooker teriyaki chicken by trying these delicious twists.

Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce in the original sauce mixture.
Pineapple Teriyaki: Add ½ cup of pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes for a sweet, tangy flavor.
Different Proteins: This teriyaki sauce works wonderfully with pork shoulder or beef short ribs too.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari for a delicious gluten-free option.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the honey and brown sugar, or use a natural sugar substitute to your taste.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps you incorporate this meal into your diet. This slow cooker teriyaki chicken offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying choice. The values are estimated and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	227 kcal
Carbohydrates	22 g
Protein	25 g
Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	72 mg
Sodium	542 mg
Potassium	479 mg
Sugar	17 g
Vitamin A	35 IU
Vitamin C	1.7 mg
Calcium	29 mg
Iron	1.2 mg

FAQ

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about making the best slow cooker teriyaki chicken.

Is slow cooker teriyaki chicken healthy?
It can be a part of a healthy diet, especially when using low-sodium soy sauce and serving with plenty of vegetables. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced meal plan.

Can I cook rice directly in the slow cooker with the chicken?
It’s generally not recommended because rice and chicken cook at different rates and require different liquid ratios. For best results, cook your rice separately.
Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce?
While you can, homemade teriyaki sauce offers superior fresh flavor and allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness. Our recipe is super simple to make from scratch!
What if my sauce is too thin/thick?
If too thin, mix more cornstarch with water and whisk into simmering sauce. If too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth until desired consistency.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For food safety, it’s always best to thaw frozen chicken breasts completely before placing them in the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and prevents bacteria growth.

Conclusion

This easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. It simplifies cooking, allowing you to enjoy a tender, savory, and perfectly sauced meal with minimal fuss. So go ahead, give this recipe a try; you’ll love how effortlessly you can create a delicious, family-approved dinner. Get ready to impress your taste buds and simplify your busy schedule with this fantastic dish!