Description
A mouthwatering and easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe featuring tender chicken simmered low and slow in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is versatile, kid-friendly, and healthy, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Thickening & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
- Green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken pieces to ensure a lean base. Place the chicken evenly in the slow cooker for uniform cooking.
- Mix the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a balanced, flavorful sauce.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, coating all pieces well. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid. Increase the slow cooker heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, coating it evenly. Serve with your choice of sides and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Prefer dark meat: Chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful when slow cooked.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature and even cooking times.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting the sauce near the end and adding more brown sugar or soy sauce as needed.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- To make gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- If avoiding cornstarch, thicken sauce by simmering longer with lid off or use arrowroot powder.
- Chicken breasts can be used but monitor cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg