Set-it-and-forget-it takeout vibes
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken brings all the glossy, sweet-savory restaurant flavor to your kitchen with almost zero effort. Juicy chicken gently cooks in a homemade teriyaki sauce soy, honey, garlic, and ginger then gets shredded and tossed back in that silky glaze. Serve over rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and you’ve got a comforting family favorite ready to go.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 4 hrs
- Total: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- Cooked rice, for serving
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl & whisk
- Saucepan
- Fine strainer
- Forks for shredding
- Measuring cups & spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Mix garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Cook: Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on LOW 5–6 hrs or HIGH ~3 hrs.
- Shred: Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Thicken: Strain sauce into a saucepan, bring to simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and whisk in; cook 1–2 mins until glossy.
- Finish: Return shredded chicken to sauce, toss well, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Subs: Use thighs for extra tenderness; swap soy for tamari if gluten-free.
- Meal Prep: Great for make-ahead lunches with rice and broccoli.
- Serving: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over jasmine or brown rice.
Variation Recipes
- Pineapple Teriyaki: Add 1 cup pineapple chunks before serving for tropical sweetness.
- Spicy Teriyaki: Stir in 1–2 tsp sriracha for a kick.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli or snap peas at the end for color and crunch.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken bowls are proof that comforting, restaurant-style flavor can come from your crock pot. Save, share, and enjoy this weeknight favorite!
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 227 | 25g | 22g | 3g | 0g | 17g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary by ingredients and preparation.