This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken harnesses the gentle cooking power of the slow cooker to meld the flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices into chicken that’s irresistibly juicy and flavorful. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce to infuse every bite of chicken, making it tender and packed with flavor. The best part? This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.
Simply combine your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come home to a delicious meal that’s ready to serve. The result is a dish that’s not only convenient but also bursting with the savory and sweet notes that make teriyaki chicken so beloved. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside crisp vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the chunks of chicken breasts at the bottom of your 4-quart slow cooker. The chicken will be the base of your dish, absorbing all the rich flavors of the sauce as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. This sauce is the heart of your dish, and the combination of these ingredients creates a beautifully balanced teriyaki flavor that’s both savory and sweet. Make sure to whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Once done, pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let the chicken cook for about 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and soak up the flavors from the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is easily shredded with a fork and has absorbed the delicious teriyaki flavor.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. To thicken the sauce, you’ll need to make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the warm water until it forms a smooth mixture. With the slow cooker set to a warm setting, gradually stir this cornstarch slurry into the teriyaki sauce. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps and the sauce thickens evenly. This step will give your sauce a glossy, appealing consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it with the thickened sauce. To add a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the top just before serving.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice for a classic approach, or pair it with noodles for a different texture. It’s also delicious served alongside a variety of vegetables, either cooked in the slow cooker or fresh. For a lighter option, you can serve it over mixed greens, turning it into a hearty salad.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Vegetables: If you want to pack in some veggies, consider adding broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. They’ll absorb some of the sauce and add both flavor and nutrition to the dish.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce mixture. This will give the teriyaki chicken a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer to avoid brown sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Each alternative will lend a slightly different sweetness and flavor profile to the dish.
- Serving Options: Beyond rice and noodles, consider serving this teriyaki chicken with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad or even as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Summary
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is more than just a simple meal—it’s a versatile, flavorful dish that brings joy to both the cook and those who enjoy it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even special occasions. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and adaptability. With minimal preparation and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and comforting aroma that only a homemade teriyaki chicken can deliver.
