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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and broccoli in a bowl.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

A simple, sweet, and savory dish made in the slow cooker, perfect for busy nights. The chicken cooks until tender in a flavorful teriyaki sauce that thickens at the end for the ultimate comfort meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are preferred for tenderness.
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce Reduces better.
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar For sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Adds tang.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil A small amount is sufficient.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons water To mix with cornstarch.
Optional Toppings
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spray your slow cooker lightly or use a liner.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer, slightly overlapping is fine.
  3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
  1. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
  2. Remove chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
  3. Slice or shred the chicken and return it to the thickened sauce, tossing to coat.

Notes

You can add vegetables to the slow cooker depending on their cooking times. Sturdy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers can go in early, while quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli should be added towards the end. This dish can be served over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.