Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Slow Cooker Magic for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken bathes in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce that promises restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, breaking down the chicken into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pieces infused with classic Asian-inspired seasonings.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, making this dish a weeknight warrior for busy households.

Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of green onions, and watch this simple meal become an instant family favorite.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that everyone will crave.

Reheating and Storing Teriyaki Chicken Right

• Store shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors fresh.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when thoroughly heated.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Best Pairings for Teriyaki Chicken Meals

• Craft Steamed Rice Bed: Create a fluffy white rice foundation that soaks up the rich teriyaki sauce, providing a soft texture contrast to the tender chicken.
• Select Crisp Vegetable Companions: Roast bright green broccoli florets or sauté sugar snap peas to add fresh crunch and nutritional balance alongside the savory chicken.
• Match Refreshing Beverage: Pour chilled Japanese Asahi beer or a light sake to complement the sweet-tangy teriyaki flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with a clean, crisp finish.
• Garnish with Bright Accents: Top with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions to introduce additional layers of nutty and sharp flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.

Delicious Variations on Teriyaki Flavor

• Low-Sodium Soy Swap: Replace traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos to reduce sodium content while maintaining a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute honey and brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to keep the sauce keto-compliant.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, pressing out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a similar texture and absorb the teriyaki flavors.

FAQs

• What makes teriyaki chicken different from other chicken dishes?

Teriyaki chicken stands out because of its sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, creating a unique Japanese-inspired flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this teriyaki chicken?

This recipe is not spicy at all. It’s a sweet and savory dish with no heat. If you want some kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Why Teriyaki Chicken in the Slow Cooker Is a Game Changer

• Effortlessly toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complicated chopping or advanced cooking skills, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.
• Enjoy as a main dish with rice, stuff into tacos, pile onto sandwiches, or use as a protein-packed salad topper for multiple meal options.
• Combines sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with tender shredded chicken, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds without requiring professional culinary techniques.
• Slow cooker method allows you to walk away while the appliance does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal active cooking time.

What Goes Into This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that becomes wonderfully soft and flavorful when slow-cooked in teriyaki sauce.

• Honey, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that balance the savory flavors and create a rich, glossy coating for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of umami and saltiness to the teriyaki sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness to the sauce.

• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired ingredients that add bold, warm, and pungent notes to the teriyaki sauce.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth, glossy texture that helps the sauce cling perfectly to the shredded chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crunchy texture and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Prep and Cook Teriyaki Chicken Low and Slow

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker.

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar

Pour the silky sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Slow Cook With Patience

Cover the slow cooker and let it transform the chicken.

Choose LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours.

The goal is achieving supremely tender meat that falls apart effortlessly.

Step 3: Break Down Chicken

Transfer chicken from slow cooker to cutting board.

Using two forks, pull and tear the meat into delicate, bite-sized strands.

Step 4: Craft Glossy Sauce

Strain cooking liquid into saucepan, removing any solid pieces.

Bring sauce to gentle simmer.

• Cornstarch
• Water

Add cornstarch mixture to simmering sauce, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously glossy.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Drizzle thickened teriyaki sauce over shredded chicken.

Toss until every morsel glistens.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Tips for Sticky, Flavorful Chicken

• Use two forks to pull the chicken apart easily, ensuring no large chunks remain for even sauce distribution.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Add a splash of rice wine or mirin for deeper, more complex Asian-inspired taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Store shredded chicken in its sauce for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making quick weeknight meals a breeze.
• Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium version to control salt intake without compromising the rich teriyaki flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker teriyaki chicken brings Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender chicken bathes in a rich, sweet-savory sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Components:

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic teriyaki base by blending minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Place whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then gently pour the prepared teriyaki mixture directly over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Set slow cooker to LOW temperature and allow chicken to simmer for 6-7 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours), creating tender, flavor-infused protein.
4. Once cooking completes, carefully transfer chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to methodically shred the meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
5. Strain the remaining cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, removing any solid particles.
6. Heat the liquid over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer while whisking cornstarch and water together in a separate small bowl.
7. Gradually incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the consistency thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then pour the reduced teriyaki sauce over the meat, thoroughly coating each piece.
9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Choosing the right chicken matters most, so opt for boneless, skinless breasts that are similar in size for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
• Prevent dryness by avoiding overcooking; check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
• use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free version, or replace honey with maple syrup for vegan alternative.
• Enhance flavor depth by caramelizing sauce slightly during final reduction, which intensifies the teriyaki’s rich, sweet-savory profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hour (on high) or 7 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg