Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Why You’ll Love It:

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, giving you time to focus on other tasks.
Family-Friendly: Its sweet and savory profile appeals to both kids and adults.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside veggies for a complete meal.
Meal Prep Heaven: Easy to make ahead and reheat for quick, delicious lunches or dinners.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and absorb the teriyaki flavors beautifully. Thighs can also be used for a juicier option.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish from being overly salty while delivering that classic umami flavor.

Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty and tangy elements of the sauce.

Rice Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the sauce.

Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic staples that deepen the flavor profile and give the dish its distinct teriyaki essence.

Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Green Onions: A fresh, crisp garnish that enhances the presentation and adds a hint of oniony flavor.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Set Up: Place the chunks of chicken breasts at the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker. This forms the base of the dish, ensuring the chicken absorbs the rich flavors during cooking.

2. Mix the Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Blend Thoroughly: Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This sauce is the key to the dish’s savory-sweet teriyaki flavor.
Pour Over Chicken: Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

3. Cook

Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low heat for 4-5 hours.
Check Doneness: The chicken is ready when it is tender enough to shred easily with a fork and has fully absorbed the teriyaki flavors.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Remove Chicken: Carefully take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and set it aside.
Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons warm water Stir until smooth.
Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker. Keep the slow cooker on a warm setting, stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

5. Combine and Serve

Coat the Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
Serve: Pair the teriyaki chicken with:
Steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal.
Noodles for a unique twist.
Mixed greens for a light, salad-style option.
Stir-fried or roasted vegetables to complete the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Pairing: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a traditional teriyaki experience.

With Noodles: Pair with soba, udon, or even spaghetti for a fun twist. Toss the noodles in some of the teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

Light and Fresh: Add to a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a salad-style teriyaki bowl.

With Veggies: Round out the meal with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots.

In Wraps or Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for Asian-inspired wraps or tacos with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and crunchy slaw.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigeration

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tip: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezing

Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To Serve: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Make-Ahead Option

Combine the chicken and sauce ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze raw. Thaw overnight, then cook in the slow cooker as directed.

Variations:

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Replace half the brown sugar with honey for a milder sweetness and added depth.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a tropical twist.

Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make the dish gluten-free.

Vegetarian Version

Swap the chicken for tofu or jackfruit, adjusting cooking time to ensure they absorb the sauce without falling apart.

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a delightful combination of convenience and flavor that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. With tender, juicy chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Pair it with your favorite sides, or try it in wraps, tacos, or even lettuce cups for variety.