Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Just the name conjures up images of tender, glistening chicken bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, doesn’t it? Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of this Asian-inspired delight, knowing dinner is already taken care of. Forget takeout – this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, has become a global phenomenon. The word itself refers to the glaze, “teri” meaning luster and “yaki” meaning to grill or broil. While traditionally grilled, adapting teriyaki to the slow cooker allows for unparalleled tenderness and depth of flavor. The beauty of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken lies in its simplicity and hands-off approach.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The sweet and savory combination is undeniably addictive, appealing to both kids and adults. The chicken becomes incredibly moist and practically melts in your mouth. Plus, the convenience factor is a major win! Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. What’s not to love? Get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious teriyaki chicken you’ve ever had!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
• 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
5. Sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; we just want to get some color on it. This step adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.
6. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce:

1. Now, let’s whip up that delicious teriyaki sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Make sure the brown sugar is well dissolved.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the sauce.

Slow Cooking Process:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set it aside in a separate bowl.

Thickening the Sauce:

1. This is a crucial step for that perfect teriyaki glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry.
2. Turn the slow cooker to high.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
4. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should become glossy and coat the back of a spoon. If it’s not thickening enough, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon cold water).

Shredding the Chicken and Combining:

1. While the sauce is thickening, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. It should be very easy to shred at this point.
2. Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
3. Stir the chicken into the sauce, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

1. Serve the slow cooker teriyaki chicken over cooked white rice or brown rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Serve with steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Options: While I prefer using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so be sure to monitor the cooking time and don’t overcook them.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables directly to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Some great options include broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amounts slightly.
• Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic are best for flavor, but you can substitute with ground ginger and garlic powder if needed. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of each.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
• Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown and fragrant. This enhances their flavor.
• Leftovers: Leftover teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prepping or quick lunches. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: Besides rice and vegetables, you can also serve this teriyaki chicken in lettuce wraps, over noodles, or in a stir-fry.
• Low Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Also, make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Browning the Chicken: While searing the chicken isn’t strictly necessary, it adds a significant amount of flavor and texture to the final dish. Don’t skip this step if you have the time.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken!

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers an explosion of flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken infused with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that’s simply irresistible. Forget ordering takeout; this homemade version is healthier, more affordable, and, dare I say, even tastier!

But the real magic lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to walk away and come back to a fully cooked, ready-to-eat meal. No slaving over a hot stove, no constant monitoring – just pure culinary bliss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without the stress.

And the versatility? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Serve this delectable Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a classic pairing. For a lighter option, try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. It’s also fantastic in lettuce wraps, adding a burst of flavor to your favorite greens.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Rice Bowls: Layer the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Toss shredded chicken with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, crispy wonton strips, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch.
* Teriyaki Chicken Sliders: Pile the chicken onto mini slider buns with coleslaw for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
* Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Add the cooked chicken to your favorite stir-fry vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
* Sweeten it Up: A drizzle of honey after cooking can enhance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
* Pineapple Power: Add chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! The beauty of slow cooking is that it’s incredibly forgiving, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

I’m confident that once you try this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll be hooked. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience a taste sensation.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!