Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Tender, juicy chunks of chicken bathed in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every morsel—that’s the magic of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. This beloved Asian-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion with minimal effort on your part. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with that unmistakable teriyaki flavor while you go about your day. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken that will have your family requesting it week after week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero for busy families and meal-prep enthusiasts alike. The contrast between the tender, fall-apart chicken and the thick, glossy sauce creates a texture experience that’s deeply satisfying. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that teriyaki is famous for, without being overpowering.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just 10 minutes of preparation yields a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors while remaining incredibly moist and tender. Meanwhile, the sauce reduces and intensifies, developing complex layers of flavor that simply can’t be achieved with quick-cooking methods.

For parents with picky eaters, this teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe often becomes a family favorite, as the familiar sweet notes appeal to younger palates while still delivering sophisticated flavor for adults. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
• 3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water

For the slurry:

• 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water

For serving:

• 4 cups (700g) cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon (9g) sesame seeds, toasted
• Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables (optional)

The chicken thighs are key for this crockpot teriyaki chicken as they stay incredibly tender during the long cooking process, while fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth that bottled teriyaki sauce simply can’t match.

Pro Tips

Choose the right chicken: While boneless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture retention, boneless chicken breasts can work too. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to prevent them from drying out, and cut them into slightly larger chunks.

Perfect your sauce consistency: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving that authentic, glossy teriyaki thickness. For best results, always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce, and stir immediately to prevent lumps. If you prefer an extra-thick sauce, you can double the cornstarch slurry, but add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Layer your flavors: For an even more complex flavor profile in your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, briefly sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a Maillard reaction that adds depth and richness to the final dish. It’s an optional step that takes just 5 extra minutes but elevates the dish significantly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil, and water in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the sauce evenly.

Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.

Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, create your cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Remove the lid of the slow cooker, turn the setting to HIGH (if it wasn’t already), and pour in the slurry while stirring gently.

Step 5: Replace the lid and allow the sauce to thicken for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce transform from thin and watery to glossy and coat-the-back-of-a-spoon thick. This is your signal that your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is ready.

Step 6: Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for authentic presentation and added texture. Pair with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. The natural sweetness and slight acidity of pineapple complement the teriyaki flavors beautifully and add a tropical twist to your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. For extra flavor, you can also add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice to the initial sauce mixture.

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: For heat lovers, boost the spice level by increasing the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture. The sweet-heat combination creates an addictive flavor profile that’s still recognizable as teriyaki but with a fiery kick.

Keto-Friendly Version: Replace the honey and brown sugar with 1/3 cup of a monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb count further. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb teriyaki chicken slow cooker meal that maintains all the flavors of the original.

Storage and Serving

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a meal-prepper’s dream, as it keeps exceptionally well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the sauce continues to penetrate the chicken. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Serving suggestions that complement the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken include:

• Serve in a rice bowl with steamed edamame and quick-pickled cucumbers
• Create teriyaki lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves for a lighter option
• Stuff into warm pineapple boats for an impressive presentation at dinner parties

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work, but they tend to dry out more easily. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes and check for doneness earlier.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce hasn’t thickened enough after adding the cornstarch slurry, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. Complete the cooking process, allow to cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when ready to serve, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?
For best results, add firmer vegetables like carrots and broccoli during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, steam vegetables separately and add them to the finished dish when serving.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around impossibly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma on busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for weekend gatherings. The slow cooker approach transforms simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts, creating that authentic teriyaki experience without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or looking to expand your meal prep repertoire, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

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