Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a savory and slightly sweet sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a simple family dinner, this dish fits the bill. Plus, it requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the work.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires just a few minutes of hands-on time. Simply add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the magic.
Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Family-Friendly: Kids love this dish! It’s sweet enough to please young palates while still being healthy.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your slow cooker teriyaki chicken, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Strainer
Saucepan
Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking and infuses flavors beautifully over time.
Strainer: This tool helps separate any solids from the sauce, ensuring a smooth texture to coat your shredded chicken perfectly.

Ingredients

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is chicken breasts cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then shredded and drizzled with sauce. Serve over rice for an easy yet satisfying crock pot dinner!

For the Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar

To Thicken the Sauce

1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Garnish

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Pour any remaining teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
Set the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.

Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved.
Pour this mixture into the saucepan and bring to a boil.
Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the thickened sauce over shredded chicken.
Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated well.

Step 9: Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving over rice or your favorite side! Enjoy your delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer it over rice or as a filling for wraps, there are numerous options to delight your taste buds.

Over Steamed Rice

Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a fresh twist, use butter lettuce leaves to create wraps. Fill each leaf with teriyaki chicken and add some crunchy veggies for extra texture.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

Pair your teriyaki chicken with stir-fried vegetables. Quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas complement the dish perfectly.

On a Bed of Quinoa

For a healthy alternative, serve the chicken on quinoa. This adds protein and fiber, making your meal even more satisfying.

As Tacos

Use soft tortillas to make teriyaki chicken tacos. Top with avocado slices and cilantro for a unique fusion dish.

In A Sandwich

Create a tasty sandwich using toasted buns. Add coleslaw or pickled veggies for crunch alongside the savory chicken.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Achieving the perfect slow cooker teriyaki chicken is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to enhance your dish.

Choose quality chicken: Select fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
Marinate longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey or brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
Thicken sauce properly: Ensure you mix cornstarch completely with water before adding it to prevent lumps in your sauce.
Garnish creatively: Experiment with different toppings like chopped peanuts or diced pineapple for added flavor.
Store leftovers wisely: Keep any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker teriyaki chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Steamed Broccoli: This nutrient-rich veggie adds color and complements the flavors of teriyaki well.
Fried Rice: A classic Asian side, fried rice can be made quickly and offers great texture alongside the tender chicken.
Cabbage Salad: A light cabbage salad with sesame dressing provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory teriyaki flavors, making them an excellent choice.
Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil can create an interesting contrast in temperature and flavor.
Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled cucumbers or radishes adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Edamame: Steamed edamame pods are not only healthy but also fun to eat alongside your main course.
Miso Soup: Starting your meal with warm miso soup can enhance the overall dining experience while keeping it authentic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

Using regular soy sauce: Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce instead to maintain flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Skipping the cornstarch: Not thickening the sauce can lead to a watery dish. Mix cornstarch with water and add it while the sauce simmers for a perfect consistency.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken beyond the recommended time can dry it out. Keep an eye on your slow cooker and check for doneness at the minimum time.
Neglecting to shred properly: Leaving larger chunks of chicken can affect texture. Shred finely for better flavor absorption and a more delightful eating experience.
Not adjusting sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce honey or brown sugar next time. Taste before serving to ensure it meets your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about slow cooker teriyaki chicken that might help you perfect this delicious dish.

What is slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a flavorful dish made by cooking chicken breasts with garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce in a slow cooker until tender.

Can I use frozen chicken for slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by an hour if using frozen.

How do I customize my slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during cooking or adjust sweetness by modifying honey and brown sugar amounts.

What should I serve with slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences while enjoying its rich flavors. Give this recipe a try for a comforting dinner that everyone will love!

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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful, stress-free dish that transforms tender chicken breasts into a savory and slightly sweet meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe allows your slow cooker to work its magic, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce. The blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates an irresistible taste that the whole family will adore. Serve it over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or in tacos for a fun twist. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this meal is as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until tender.
Remove chicken and shred using forks.
Strain remaining sauce into a saucepan and heat on medium-high until simmering.
Mix cornstarch with cold water; add to the sauce to thicken.
Pour thickened sauce over shredded chicken and toss gently.
Serve with garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 5-6 hours (low)
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian