Description
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a hands-off, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe offers minimal prep, family-friendly flavors, and versatility in serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Finishing & Optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (to make cornstarch slurry, optional)
- Green onions, sliced thinly (optional, for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange boneless chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker, making sure they aren’t stacked to allow even cooking.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well with the flavorful liquid.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the cooked sauce to a small saucepan and simmer with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until glossy and rich, then return the sauce to the slow cooker.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Stir in a splash of sesame oil just before serving to infuse a toasty aroma and deepen the flavors.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results; chicken breasts can be used but monitor cooking times closely.
- Don’t skip the fresh garlic and ginger—they add essential bright and aromatic notes.
- Brown sugar and honey together create a balanced, layered sweetness.
- Thicken the sauce after cooking to avoid a gloopy consistency during slow cooking.
- Start checking chicken tenderness at 4 hours to prevent overcooking, as slow cooker models vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: slow cooker recipe, teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, gluten free, family friendly, weeknight meal
