Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-493500H43M9S
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup soy sauce; ½ cup honey; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground ginger; ¼ cup water; 2 tbsp cornstarch; Green onions for garnish; Sesame seeds for garnish; Cooked rice for serving

So yesterday, I was juggling Alex's soccer practice and Sarah's homework quandaries when I realized I'd forgotten to plan dinner. Sound familiar? That's when Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken came in to save the day! No fuss, minimal prep, and within a few hours, we had a meal that my family devoured with delight. Plus, it’s way healthier and tastier than takeout. And if you’re a fan of breakfasts that are as easy as this dinner, check out Buttery Crockpot French Toast Casserole.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Why you’ll love this recipe

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, especially if your household is as demanding as mine. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it. Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma and a dinner that’s ready when you are. That's what makes this dish special in our household.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup honey
3 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ cup water
2 tablespoon cornstarch
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Step-by-step instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Sweet yet savory, this sauce is the magic ingredient here.
Place the chicken breasts in a layer at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top. The sauce seeps in, making the chicken incredibly flavorful.
Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours, until a meat thermometer reads 165°F. This gives you enough time to catch up with your kiddos or unwind with a coffee.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This part makes me feel like a pro chef whipping up shredded gourmet goodness.
Carefully pour the remaining sauce from the crockpot into a small saucepan. It’s time for some stovetop action!
Mix the cornstarch into the water to make a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the saucepan and heat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss gently to coat. This is where the magic happens – each piece soaked in rich, teriyaki goodness.
Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds and serve over hot cooked rice. Dinner is served, and it’s a hit!

Recipe tips & variations

Don’t be afraid to switch it up! You can use chicken thighs if that’s what you have, or even add some veggies for a complete meal in one pot. I once ran out of rice vinegar and swapped it with apple cider vinegar – it turned out wonderfully!

Storage & reheating

Like most moms, I love a recipe that stretches into leftovers. Just store any that you have in an airtight container in the fridge; it stays good for up to three days. To reheat, I simply pop it in the microwave or gently warm it on the stove. You can even freeze it for up to three months—ideal for those nights you just don’t want to cook!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just cook them the same way you would the breasts.

How do I thicken the sauce for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

Just follow the cornstarch slurry method. It’s as simple as mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce.

Can I make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time or freeze it?

Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just ensure you store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to three months in the freezer.

What can I serve with Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

We love serving it over rice, but noodles or steamed vegetables work great too. You’re only limited by your pantry!

Recipes you may like

If you’re into simple, comforting meals, try these out:

Remember, every meal at our table is a page in the story of our family. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken has become one of those recipes that invites everyone to come and share. Happy cooking!