Homemade Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

by

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: Your slow cooker does all the work!
  • Better than takeout: Homemade sauce means fresher, cleaner flavors.
  • Family favorite: Sweet and tangy flavor kids and adults both adore.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Great for leftovers — it reheats beautifully.

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Add to the slow cooker:
    Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Cook low and slow:
    Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Thicken the sauce:
    Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
  5. Combine and serve:
    Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat in the thickened teriyaki sauce, and let it soak up all that flavor.
  6. Garnish:
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
  • Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
  • For a healthy twist, try it over cauliflower rice or zoodles.

💡 Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

  • Use thighs for extra tenderness: Chicken thighs stay moist and juicy during slow cooking.
  • Adjust sweetness: Use more or less honey or sugar depending on your taste.
  • Add a little heat: Stir in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Make it a freezer meal: Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag — thaw overnight and cook as directed.