Save Tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner with minimal prep.
I first served this slow cooker teriyaki chicken on a hectic weeknight and was amazed by how simple and delicious it was. The aroma from the kitchen had everyone gathered at the table in anticipation.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 4 pieces
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Low-sodium soy sauce: 1/2 cup
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- Rice vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
- Cold water: 1/4 cup
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice: 2 cups
- Green onions: 2, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (optional, enhances flavor).
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Pour over chicken.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker.
- Finish Cooking:
- Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook rice according to package instructions.
- Shred Chicken:
- Shred or slice chicken, return to sauce, and mix well.
- Serve:
- Serve teriyaki chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Save My kids always ask for seconds whenever I make this meal. Sharing it with family turns an ordinary night into something special.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this teriyaki chicken with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Required Tools
You'll need a slow cooker, skillet (if you choose to sear), mixing bowls, whisk, rice cooker or saucepan, and measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 490 calories, 7 g of total fat, 72 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein.
Save This easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken is sure to become a favorite in your menu rotation. Enjoy every bite with family or friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a more tender and flavorful result.
- → What type of rice pairs best with teriyaki chicken?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice works well, providing a fluffy and neutral base to complement the sauce.
- → Is searing the chicken before slow cooking necessary?
Searing is optional but recommended to enhance the flavor and create a richer color on the chicken.
- → How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker?
Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high until thickened.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, steamed broccoli or snap peas can be added just before serving for extra color and nutrients.
- → What allergens should be considered?
This dish contains soy from the soy sauce and sesame from the oil and seeds; check labels if allergies are a concern.