Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Cozy, sweet, and weeknight-ready

It started on a blustery Tuesday when I just couldn’t bear the thought of another takeout dinner. I wanted something warm. Something familiar. So, I reached for my slow cooker. Just five minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the scent of garlic, ginger, and sweet soy—comfort wrapped in a sauce. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is my kind of magic: quick to prep, deeply flavorful, and always a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Quick prep, big flavor

This dish comes together in minutes—just whisk, pour, and forget it until dinnertime. Meanwhile, the slow cooker does all the work. You’ll end up with chicken so tender it practically falls apart and a sauce that’s sticky-sweet, salty, and savory all at once.

Family-friendly and meal prep ready

Everyone at the table loves it—from picky kids to hungry teens. And if you’re planning ahead, it reheats beautifully. You can even double the batch and stash half for easy lunches later in the week.

Versatile serving options

Serve it over fluffy white rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or spoon it onto noodles. It’s one of those meals that adapts to whatever you’re craving. Add a side of roasted broccoli and you’ve got a complete meal without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry staples and fresh aromatics

To make this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need simple ingredients you likely already have. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar come together in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.

Ingredient tips and swaps

You can swap in chicken thighs for even juicier results. Just be sure to trim the excess fat. Using low sodium soy sauce helps keep things balanced. And if you love a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Combine sauce and chicken

Place the chicken breasts right into your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour it over the chicken.

Step 2 – Slow cook to tender perfection

Cover the lid and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours. Your house will smell amazing by hour two—trust me.

Step 3 – Shred chicken and thicken sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it gently with two forks. Meanwhile, strain the sauce into a small saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.

Step 4 – Toss, garnish, and serve

Pour the warm sauce over the shredded chicken and toss until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it over rice for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Tips for Best Results

When to add vegetables

Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking. That way they stay crisp-tender and don’t get mushy.

How to avoid overcooked chicken

Stick to the recommended cook times. Chicken breast dries out if it’s overcooked—even in a slow cooker. If you’re unsure, check for an internal temp of 165°F.

Doubling or freezing the recipe

This recipe doubles easily and freezes well. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Rice, noodles, or veggie bowls

We love this with jasmine rice, but it’s also perfect over noodles or tucked into steamed veggie bowls. Try it with stir-fried snow peas or roasted carrots.

Garnishes and texture boosts

Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions—they add crunch and brightness. For a little zing, a drizzle of sriracha or a side of quick-pickled cucumbers takes things up a notch.

Is Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?

Nutritional highlights

This dish comes in at around 227 calories per serving with 25g of protein and just 3g of fat. It’s packed with lean protein and flavor without being heavy.

How to reduce sodium and sugar

Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut the honey or brown sugar slightly if needed. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without going overboard on sweetness or salt.

For more cozy meals, check out this tender garlic herb pot roast made in the slow cooker or this comforting creamy crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe. And if you love sweet-savory flavors, the sweet and savory crock pot bourbon chicken is a must-try.

You can also pin this recipe and follow along with more favorites on my Pinterest board.

FAQs

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