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Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
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Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory honey teriyaki sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this recipe requires minimal prep and slow cooking does all the work for a comforting, family-friendly meal that pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish

  • 2 to 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds

Optional Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry. This helps the sauce cling better and improves flavor absorption during cooking.
  2. Mix the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the heart of the dish.
  3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken and stir in the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce. Return the sauce to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and optionally toasted sesame seeds on top before serving to add freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Choose chicken thighs over breasts for juicier and more tender results.
  • Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to prevent heat loss and extended cooking time.
  • For deeper flavors, mix the sauce and marinate the chicken overnight before cooking.
  • Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aromatic results.
  • Cooking longer (within recommended times) will enhance tenderness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, chicken thighs, sweet and savory, family-friendly

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