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A flavorful plate of slow cooker teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served alongside steamed rice and vegetables.

Effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: A Weeknight Winner

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Effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner solution. Juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy households seeking a flavorful, tender, and satisfying meal. This recipe is a dump-and-go dish that requires minimal prep, making dinner prep quick and stress-free without sacrificing taste.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry, if thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This will be your flavorful teriyaki sauce.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  4. Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the crockpot. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot for a shredded, sticky texture. Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken with the sauce for even more flavor before slow cooking.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste.
  • Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying honey or soy sauce quantities.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture or reheat gently if making ahead.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free soy sauce)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 290 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 1250 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg