Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and the aroma of the sauce filled my home, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. The blend of sweet and savory notes was enough to make my mouth water. My family gathered around the dining table, and with each bite, there were smiles all around. This dish has a way of bringing us together, making any meal feel like a special occasion. It’s a recipe that lends itself beautifully to family dinners, weeknight meals, or any time you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a dish that feels both indulgent and homey.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, simplicity is key. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s not only flavorful but also satisfying. Chicken thighs provide a juicy base while the sauce ingredients come together to create that classic teriyaki flavor we all crave.

• 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (or mix of both): This is the heart of the dish, ensuring a tender and juicy experience.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky, luscious sauce.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for the savory depth and umami flavor.
• ¼ cup rice vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger or 2 teaspoons ground ginger: A must-have for that distinctive flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the overall profile.
• ½ cup sweet onion, chopped: Introduces a bit of sweetness and texture.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A little spice to elevate the flavor.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end.
• ¼ cup cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce.

Preparation Steps for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Ready to dive into making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken? It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require much fuss. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

1. Begin by placing the chicken in your slow cooker. Make sure they are laid out evenly for even cooking.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This combination will form the base of your sauce.
3. Add the ginger, garlic, onion, and black pepper to the mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all these lovely flavors.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for about 6 hours, or on HIGH for approximately 4 hours. Be patient; the waiting will be worth it!
6. When the cooking time is up, resist the urge to turn off the slow cooker. Instead, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. It should fall apart easily.
7. In a small measuring cup, whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir it well.
8. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 10 minutes on HIGH. This will thicken the sauce beautifully.
9. Once thickened, give it a good stir again before serving. This ensures every bite of chicken is coated in that delectable sauce.
10. Serve over rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Ways to Customize

Customizing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is easy and fun! Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:

• Add vegetables: Consider throwing in some sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Switch the protein: This recipe works well with tofu or pork for different flavor profiles.
• Change your serving base: Instead of rice, try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Flavor variations: Try adding sesame oil or hoisin sauce for a new twist on the flavor.
• Make it a one-pot meal: Toss in some rice to cook directly with the chicken for a complete meal in one pot.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, think about the perfect accompaniments to elevate your meal:

• Fluffy white rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas make for a colorful and nutritious side.
• Asian-inspired salad: A crunchy cucumber or cabbage salad can add a refreshing contrast to the dish.
• Spring rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls to bring a delightful crunch.
• Leftover magic: Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch the next day. They’re just as delicious cold or reheated!
• Meal prep: This dish is great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe truly stands out with its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table, making it a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. You won’t regret it and will likely want to make it a regular in your meal rotation!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Craving something comforting? This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, you won't want to miss out on this delicious dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts or mix of both
• ½ cup brown sugar packed
• ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ginger fresh chopped or 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup onion sweet, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water cold

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Add ginger, garlic, onion, and black pepper. Whisk well.
3. Pour the mixture over chicken. Cover slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. When done, DO NOT turn off the slow cooker. Shred chicken with two forks.
5. In a small measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with cold water. Add to slow cooker and stir. Let cook for 10 minutes and stir again. The mixture should thicken.
6. Serve over rice with a side of steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Tip: You can use ⅓ cup of honey in place of brown sugar.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.