Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a deliciously simple dish that transforms everyday chicken breasts into tender, juicy, flavor-packed meals. Cooked slowly with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, the chicken absorbs a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Shred the chicken and drizzle it with a thickened teriyaki sauce, then serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This crockpot recipe is perfect for busy households because it requires minimal prep, yet yields restaurant-quality results. The slow cooking process ensures tender chicken that melts in your mouth. The homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and glossy, making it a great topper for rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
- Pour the sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
- Bring sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then pour into the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss shredded chicken in the thickened sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve over rice.
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
- Use chicken breasts or thighs according to preference. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying honey or brown sugar.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles, and add a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect Over Rice
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory garlic-ginger sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger
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. Whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar.
3. Pour sauce over chicken.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.
5. Remove chicken and shred.
6. Strain sauce into a saucepan and simmer.
7. Mix cornstarch with water, add to sauce, and bring to boil 1-2 min until thickened.
8. Toss shredded chicken in sauce.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Adjust honey or sugar to taste.
Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 227
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 542
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 72
