Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of sweet and savory teriyaki, knowing a delicious and healthy meal is already prepared and waiting for you. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality you can create with this incredibly simple and satisfying recipe!

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, has become a global favorite. The word “teriyaki” itself describes the glossy sheen (“teri”) imparted by the sauce, traditionally made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. While its roots are firmly planted in Japanese culinary tradition, teriyaki has evolved and adapted across cultures, resulting in countless variations, including this convenient slow cooker version.

What makes Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of ease and flavor. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it simmers in the flavorful teriyaki sauce, absorbing all those wonderful sweet and savory notes. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other things. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this dish is always a hit. The sticky, glazed texture and the balanced sweet and salty taste make it utterly addictive. Get ready to experience the magic of effortless cooking and unforgettable flavor!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
• ¾ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Preparing the Chicken and Initial Cooking

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. We’re going to sear the chicken pieces to give them a nice color and lock in some flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and sear on all sides until lightly browned. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and transfer it to your slow cooker.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Now, let’s whip up that delicious teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the brown sugar is well dissolved. This sauce is the key to that amazing teriyaki flavor!
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure that all the chicken pieces are submerged in the sauce. This will allow the chicken to absorb all that wonderful flavor as it cooks.

Slow Cooking the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become, so I usually opt for the low setting when I have the time.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set it aside in a separate bowl. We need to deal with the sauce next.

Thickening the Teriyaki Sauce

1. This is an important step to get that perfect, glossy teriyaki glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Stir well to combine.
3. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. You’ll notice the sauce becoming more viscous and glossy as it thickens.

Shredding the Chicken and Combining with the Sauce

1. While the sauce is thickening, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. It should be very tender and easy to shred. Discard any excess fat or gristle.
2. Once the teriyaki sauce has thickened, add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

1. Serve the slow cooker teriyaki chicken over cooked white rice or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
2. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. The teriyaki chicken is also great in lettuce wraps or over noodles.
3. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken, such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots.
• Use chicken breasts: While chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, you can also use chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
• Spice it up: If you like a spicier teriyaki sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Pineapple chunks: Adding pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking adds a tropical twist.
• Ginger Variations: Freshly grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more pungent flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a garlic enthusiast, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil Boost: A drizzle of sesame oil right before serving enhances the nutty flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving this over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. It’s also fantastic in teriyaki chicken bowls with avocado and a fried egg.
• Marinating the Chicken: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Broiling for Extra Glaze: After the chicken is cooked and shredded, you can spread it on a baking sheet and broil it for a minute or two to get a caramelized, extra-glazed finish. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
• Freezing for Later: This teriyaki chicken freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, make sure you’re using enough cornstarch. You can also try cooking it for a longer period on high heat.
• Chicken is dry: If the chicken is dry, it’s likely been overcooked. Reduce the cooking time or use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Sauce is too salty: If the sauce is too salty, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.
• Sauce is too sweet: Reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Protein: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fat: 10-15g

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken! I hope you and your family love it as much as we do!

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner option; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor you achieve with minimal effort. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory teriyaki, knowing that a delicious and satisfying meal is ready and waiting. That’s the magic of this slow cooker wonder.

But why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or even quinoa for a protein-packed meal. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a vibrant salad. And the variations are endless! Want to add a little kick? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Craving something a bit sweeter? Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the slow cooker. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables too! Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even chunks of pineapple would be fantastic additions.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve over white rice with steamed broccoli and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
* Healthy: Serve over brown rice or quinoa with a side of edamame.
* Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice with a side salad.
* Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the slow cooker.
* Sweet: Add honey or brown sugar to the slow cooker.
* Vegetable-Packed: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or pineapple to the slow cooker.
* Bowls: Create Teriyaki Chicken bowls with rice, avocado, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
* Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the Teriyaki Chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
* Sliders: Shred the chicken and serve it on mini slider buns with a dollop of coleslaw.

I’ve made this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, my friends love it, and I’m confident you’ll love it too. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this easy and flavorful recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! This recipe for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.