Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe | Easy Chicken Teriyaki

Bring the rich, savory flavors of Japanese cuisine to your dinner table with this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe! This dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering, tender chicken teriyaki with just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Why You'll Love This Amazing Asian-Inspired Recipe

• Effortless Cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Delicious. With lean chicken and a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is both nutritious and full of flavor
• Versatile. Serve it over rice, with noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Discover the ultimate combination of ease and taste with this foolproof slow cooker method.

Is It Safe To Put Raw Chicken In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, it is safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are designed to cook food at low temperatures for an extended period, which is sufficient to thoroughly cook the chicken and kill any harmful bacteria.

What Does Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Taste Like?

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the savory richness of soy sauce with the sweet and tangy notes of honey or brown sugar, balanced by the umami of garlic and ginger. The chicken itself becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors from the teriyaki sauce as it cooks slowly over several hours.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best for this recipe.
• Garlic- Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor.
• Ginger- Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth to the dish.
• Soy Sauce- The base of the teriyaki sauce, providing that essential umami flavor.
• Honey- Adds sweetness and balances the soy sauce.
• Rice Vinegar- Adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Sesame Oil- Provides a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Cornstarch- Thickens the sauce to give it a glossy finish.
• Water- Helps dilute the sauce to the perfect consistency.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

1. Prep the Chicken. Start by placing your chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This recipe works well with either cut, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook the Chicken. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve. Slice the chicken and return it to the slow cooker, coating it with the thickened sauce. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is simple, but these tips and tricks can help you achieve the best flavor and texture:

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness. While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and tend to stay juicy and tender. They also have more flavor, which complements the teriyaki sauce.
• Sear the Chicken First. For an extra depth of flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a caramelized layer that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Thicken the Sauce. To achieve that signature glossy teriyaki sauce, thicken it before serving. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker. This will give the sauce the perfect consistency.

Variations

Adding your own twist to Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki can make the dish even more exciting and tailored to your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

• Pineapple- Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the slow cooker for a sweet and tangy flavor. The pineapple juice also helps tenderize the chicken and infuses the dish with a tropical twist.
• Spicy- Kick up the heat by adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the teriyaki sauce. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy-sweet combination.
• Veggies- Make it a complete meal by adding your favorite vegetables directly into the slow cooker. Try bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp-tender.

What To Eat With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice- The classic pairing for teriyaki, steamed white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. You can also opt for jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist.
• Cauliflower Rice- For a low-carb option, pair the teriyaki chicken with cauliflower rice. It’s a light, nutritious alternative that still lets the teriyaki flavor shine.
• Cucumber Salad- A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing can balance out the richness of the teriyaki chicken. It adds a cool, crisp element to the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken in a pan or in the microwave until warm.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! You can freeze this Chicken Teriyaki for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Spectacular Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Carnitas
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Chana Masala
• Slow Cooker Chicken Saag
• Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

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