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Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

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Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super simple with minimal prep time
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • The slow cooker does all the work
  • Family-friendly flavors with a mix of sweet and savory
  • Easily customizable with veggies or different proteins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh ginger, grated
  • Water
  • Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and water until combined.
  2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over it.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice if preferred.
  6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 4-6 hours

Variations

  • Use Different Proteins: Try this recipe with pork, beef, or tofu for a twist.
  • Add Vegetables: Include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, but the cooking time may need to be extended. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can help, as they stay moist longer. Avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

4. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

You can, but the homemade sauce adds a fresher and more customizable flavor.

5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, simmer the chicken in the sauce over medium heat until fully cooked, then thicken the sauce as directed.

6. What can I serve with Honey Teriyaki Chicken?

Steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables work well.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily.

9. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Yes, but add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

10. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix more cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Let it cook until thickened.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings the deliciousness of takeout right to your home. With tender chicken and a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy days and will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
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Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is tender, flavorful, and so easy to make! The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a perfect glaze over the juicy chicken. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious and effortless meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Thickening the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Serving:

  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

🍗 Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:

    • Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

  2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.

  3. Pour Over Chicken:

    • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

⏲️ Cooking Method:

  1. Cook in Slow Cooker:

    • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (75°C / 165°F internal temperature).

  2. Shred the Chicken:

    • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

🍯 Thicken the Sauce:

  1. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:

    • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.

  2. Thicken the Sauce:

    • Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker.
    • Stir and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

  3. Combine Chicken with Sauce:

    • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix until well coated with the sauce.

🍽️ Serve:

  1. Plate the Dish:

    • Serve the honey teriyaki chicken over cooked rice.
    • Add a side of steamed broccoli or vegetables for a complete meal.

  2. Garnish:

    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating Tip: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

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