There’s something wonderfully satisfying about having dinner cook itself, and that’s exactly the kind of weeknight magic you get with Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite, infusing each piece with the classic flavors you crave—salty soy, sweet honey, aromatic ginger, and just the right lick of tang. Whether you’re out conquering your to-do list or relaxing at home, this dish flips the switch from busy to blissfully effortless, promising a satisfying meal with maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki lies in the balance of just a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics—each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, color, and that irresistible teriyaki glaze. Here’s everything you’ll need to create teriyaki magic right in your own kitchen.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, soaking up all the bold flavors of the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Provides the signature salty umami base while keeping the overall dish perfectly balanced.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the glaze turn irresistibly sticky.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a warm caramel depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): A splash of tang that brightens up the whole dish.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses the sauce with a rich, nutty aroma that’s essential for teriyaki.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic adds punchy, savory heat.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): A bit of grated ginger gives subtle spice and complexity.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a soft, mild heat.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce without making it cloudy or gummy.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Sesame seeds, optional (1 tablespoon): These add a lovely crunch and finishing touch—highly recommended!
- Green onions, sliced (2): Sprinkle on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by arranging your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to chop or pre-cook—the magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe is that the chicken becomes fork-tender all on its own, ready to fall apart at dinnertime. You can layer the thighs in one or two layers, but make sure they aren’t packed too tightly so that every piece gets bathed in sauce.
Step 2: Whisk the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is nicely mixed and the sugars have mostly dissolved. This is where the sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that define Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki really come together. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll smell the deliciousness instantly!
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure every thigh is generously coated. Then, cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This gives you the perfect window to get other things done while your kitchen fills with that signature teriyaki scent. When it’s ready, the chicken will be juicy and the flavors locked in.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, gently remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Now mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry—this step is key for a luscious, restaurant-style sauce. Stir the slurry into the sauce left in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Shred or slice the cooked chicken, then return it to the thickened teriyaki sauce, stirring so every bite gets coated. Now your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is ready to serve—pile it over a mound of fluffy rice and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that classic finishing touch!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Garnishes
A good garnish does more than just make your dish look pretty—it adds bursts of fresh flavor and a bit of crunch. For this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds gives each bite a subtle nutty finish, while a shower of sliced green onions brightens up the plate with color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Classic steamed rice is the obvious pairing—its subtle flavor and fluffy texture soak up all the wonderful teriyaki sauce. Looking to round out your meal? Try serving this dish with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad. The crisp vegetables are a great contrast to the rich, saucy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the rice bowl! Slide your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki into lettuce wraps for a light lunch, spoon it over noodles for a fun twist, or use it as the star protein in an Asian-inspired grain bowl packed with colorful veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce. You can even tuck it into sliders for party-friendly snacking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s absolutely perfect for meal prepping or packing lunches—you’ll be excited to open your container the next day!
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to resealable freezer bags or containers. Store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. The texture stays lovely and the sauce clings to every bite.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally so the sauce heats evenly without scorching. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner cut, just keep in mind they may be a bit less juicy than thighs—so check for doneness a little earlier to avoid drying out the meat.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes! You can easily double this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. Simply double all the ingredients and add a bit of extra cook time if you have a very full pot. It’s great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
Can I put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to add raw chicken to your slow cooker along with the sauce ingredients. The long, gentle cooking process ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your other ingredients (like vinegar) are also gluten-free, and you’ll have all the same delicious flavors, worry-free!
Can I add vegetables into the slow cooker?
Vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay bright and crisp-tender. This is a fantastic way to make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki a complete one-pot meal!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to add Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki to your home-cooked lineup. It’s incredibly easy, endlessly flavorful, and sure to become one of your most-requested comfort foods! Give it a try—your weeknight dinners are about to get a whole lot more delicious.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and tender Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This Asian-inspired dish combines savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic spices for a delicious meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Teryaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Agent:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred or slice, set aside.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water. Stir into sauce in slow cooker and cook until thickened.
- Combine: Return chicken to cooker, coat with sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Homemade teriyaki sauce enhances the flavor.
- Add veggies like broccoli for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
