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Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
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A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe featuring juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is hands-off, family-friendly, and full of rich, balanced flavors with a tender, fall-apart texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts (preferably thighs for juicier results)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Optional Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey (if using), sesame oil, and chicken broth or water until fully combined. This will be your flavorful teriyaki base to infuse the chicken.
  2. Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, coating all pieces thoroughly. This helps tenderize the meat and allows the chicken to soak in the glaze as it cooks.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork, creating juicy meat and deep flavor.
  5. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken and stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) into the sauce. Cook on high uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens, then pour it back over the chicken.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top before serving to add brightness and crunch.

Notes

  • Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results.
  • Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain proper cooking temperature and timing.
  • Searing the chicken before adding to the slow cooker is optional but adds extra flavor.
  • Taste the sauce after cooking and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or honey if desired.
  • Skim excess fat from the sauce before thickening if using fattier cuts.
  • For gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
  • Try spicy variations by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken teriyaki, easy dinner, slow cooker chicken, gluten free, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-chicken-teriyaki/