Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. This dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, infused with the perfect balance of soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.

It’s a wholesome, high-protein meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Healthy and Wholesome: High in protein and made with natural ingredients, it’s a great alternative to takeout.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or vegetables to suit your preferences.
Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

To make this delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken, you’ll need:

Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs tend to stay juicier in slow-cooked recipes.
Soy Sauce: ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce for a savory base.
Honey or Brown Sugar: ⅓ cup for a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a fragrant depth of flavor.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger or ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons for a tangy kick.
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon to add a nutty aroma.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, for thickening the sauce.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: For garnish and added texture.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

Prepare the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki sauce.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well.
Simmer the Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until it thickens.
Shred and Combine: Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken in the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy teriyaki sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Pineapple Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a sweet, tropical twist.

How to Serve

With Rice: Steamed jasmine or brown rice is a classic pairing for teriyaki chicken.
With Noodles: Serve over soba or udon noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
In Lettuce Wraps: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps, topped with extra sauce and sesame seeds.
As a Salad Topper: Add the chicken to a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and cucumbers for a hearty salad.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in the flavor profile of the sauce.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce after cooking and add a touch more honey or soy sauce to balance the flavors to your liking.