Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken You’ll Wish Was Now

Craving a dinner that’ll make you look like a pro with zero effort?

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is sweet, sticky, and so good I almost licked the pot clean.
It’s my set-it-and-forget-it comfort food for busy days, and you’ll wish you’d made it sooner.

One stormy Tuesday, I was dragging through the door after a day of endless meetings and a flat tire. My stomach was growling, and I was too beat to cook. So I tossed some chicken and soy sauce into the slow cooker, desperate for a teriyaki chicken crockpot recipes win that didn’t flop.

Now this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is my lifeline. Not just any chicken dish. This slow cooker recipe simmers all day, ready in 6-7 hours on low, perfect when you’re wrecked and starving.

That night was rough. Rain soaked my socks, my phone kept buzzing, and I was one spill away from losing it. Then I remembered my dad’s old trick. He’d throw chicken in a pot when we’d stumble home late, starving from practice. So I cranked the slow cooker, ready to top his salty attempts.

The house soon filled with that sweet teriyaki smell, pulling me out of my slump. My partner sniffed the air and said, “You’re hiding the good stuff!” That’s when I knew I’d crushed it. You’ll taste that relief too.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

So this slow cooker teriyaki chicken hooks you fast. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

• Sticky sweet: Honey and soy sauce melt together. Love that.
• Tender bite: Chicken falls apart. So juicy.
• Hands-off: Slow cooker does the work.
• Flavor bomb: Garlic and ginger pop off.
• Easy prep: Dump and go. No stress.

Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe You Need

Now what makes this slow cooker teriyaki chicken the best? It’s my rainy-day spin on dad’s lazy dinners, but richer and smoother. That soggy evening, I was done with takeout and grumbling. So I took his chicken slow cooker idea and boosted it with honey and sesame oil.

This beats any tough, dry chicken I’ve suffered through after work. You’ll see why it’s my teriyaki chicken slow cooker easy champ. I’ve had duds—watery sauce that wouldn’t thicken, bland meat that bored me stiff. But this? It’s gold. My partner’s still begging for it. You’ll guard the leftovers too.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s what you need for this slow cooker teriyaki chicken. Simple stuff. Let’s roll.

Chicken & Aromatics

• 1¼ to 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Juicy base. Lean and tender.
• 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic: Bold kick. Fresh is key.
• 2 teaspoons grated or minced ginger: Warm zing. Don’t skip.

Sauce Mixture

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Salty backbone. Low-sodium keeps it right.
• ¼ cup honey: Sweet magic. Makes it sticky.
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Deep flavor. Melts in.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Tangy lift. Balances it out.
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Nutty punch. A little goes far.
• ¼ cup cold water: Smooths the sauce. Cold is clutch.

Thickening & Garnish

• 1½ to 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens it up. Sauce game-changer.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Crunchy finish. Looks good too.
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh pop. Final touch.

Got it all? You’re set for slow cooker teriyaki bliss. Let’s jump in.

Equipment You’ll Need

So here’s the gear to nail this slow cooker teriyaki chicken. Basic tools, big payoff. Grab these:

• Slow cooker: A reliable slow cooker makes it effortless. Big enough for all. Must-have.
• Mixing bowl: A small mixing bowl blends the sauce smooth. Easy pour. No mess.
• Whisk: A sturdy whisk mixes it fast. Strong grip wins. Saves effort.
• Saucepan: A solid saucepan thickens the sauce perfect. Non-stick rocks. Even heat.

These keep it simple. You’ll want them ready.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)

So let’s whip up this slow cooker teriyaki chicken. It’s easy. Here’s the plan.

Step 1: Load the slow cooker

First, place 1¼ to 1½ lbs chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Spread them even. I crammed them once, rushing, and they cooked uneven. Lumpy mess. So give them space. That night, I needed a no-think start. Sauce next?

Loading’s the base. Sets up your crock pot teriyaki chicken right.

Pro Tip: Pat chicken dry. Then it soaks better.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

Next, grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons garlic, and 2 teaspoons ginger. I skipped whisking once, lazy, and got clumps. Weak flavor. So mix it smooth. That sweet tang was my first win. Ready to pour?

Mixing’s the soul. Makes it teriyaki chicken recipe sing.

Pro Tip: Taste it. Then adjust if you want.

Step 3: Pour and cook

Then, pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. I rushed it on high once, impatient, and it dried out. Tough bite. So let it simmer slow. That day, I walked away and forgot my stress. Time to shred?

Cooking’s the magic. Turns it into slow cooker teriyaki chicken and veggies gold.

Pro Tip: Go low. Then it’s juicier.

Step 4: Shred the chicken

Now, pull the chicken out and shred it with two forks. I left it whole once, starving, and it wouldn’t soak the sauce. Dry fail. So shred it fine. That tender pile was my reward. Saucepan next?

Shredding’s the trick. Makes it one pot teriyaki chicken and rice lush.

Pro Tip: Shred hot. Then it’s easier.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

Then, strain the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat it over medium-high until it simmers. Mix 1½ to 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water, then stir it in. Boil for 1-2 minutes until thick. I skipped straining once, sloppy, and got gritty bits. Gross surprise. So do it right. That glossy sauce was my prize. Ready to toss?

Thickening’s the finish. Boosts your slow cooker hibachi chicken shine.

Pro Tip: Stir fast. Then no lumps.

Step 6: Toss and garnish

Finally, pour the sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons green onions. I forgot garnish once, distracted, and it looked blah. Dull plate. So top it off. That night, it hit the table like a star. You eating yet?

Tossing’s the fun. Finishes your teriyaki chicken crock pot perfect.

Pro Tip: Toast the seeds. Then they pop.

Tips for Success

So you want this slow cooker teriyaki chicken to slay? Here’s what I’ve learned from my flops:

• Don’t skip low-sodium soy. Used regular once. Salt bomb. Love the light stuff.
• Shred hot. Waited once. Tough pull. Do it quick.
• Strain the sauce. Skipped once. Chunky mess. Smooth is key.
• Cook low and slow. Rushed once. Dry bite. 6-7 hours wins.
• Thicken right. Skimped cornstarch once. Runny puddle. 2 tablespoons rules.

I’ve tanked this plenty. These keep it fire.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Then, this crock pot dinners pairs up awesome. Here’s what I love, with real scars:

• Rice: Sticky base. Overcooked once. Mushy mess. Soaks the sauce.
• Broccoli: Fresh snap. Burned once. Still ate it. Balances sweet.
• Noodles: Slurpy side. Underdid once. Too firm. Fun twist.
• Cucumber salad: Cool crunch. Oversalted once. Fixed it. Cuts the rich.
• Edamame: Quick bite. Popped once. Floor snack. Adds protein.

What’s your go-to? Anyway, it’s better with a pal.

Nutrition Information & Calories

Next, here’s the rundown on this slow cooker teriyaki chicken (per serving, about 4):

• Calories: Around 300-350. Depends on chicken size. I ate two that night.
• Fat: About 8g. Sesame oil kicks in. Love that.
• Carbs: Around 25g. Honey and sugar stack it. Worth it.
• Protein: About 30g. Chicken delivers. Fills you up.
• Sugar: Around 20g. Sauce does it. Sticky good.

It’s a solid healthy crockpot chicken teriyaki pick. I lean on it when I’m beat.

Variations & Substitutes

Then, tweak this slow cooker teriyaki chicken your way. Here’s what I’ve tried:

• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Heat pops off. Did it once. Bold win.
• Veggie boost: Toss in 1 cup bell peppers. Slow cooker teriyaki chicken and veggies vibe. Sweet crunch.
• Low-sugar: Cut to 2 tablespoons honey. Still sticks. Worked fine.
• Tangy: Swap vinegar for 2 tablespoons pineapple juice. Honey teriyaki chicken twist. Loved it.
• Thighs: Use 1¼ lbs chicken thighs. Juicier bite. Did it once. Wow.

Ever spiced up easy teriyaki chicken? Keeps it fresh, no doubt.

Serving & Storage Tips

Leftovers

So got extra slow cooker teriyaki chicken? Stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. Good for 4 days. My partner nabbed half that night. I hid some once. Held up great.

Reheating Tips

Then, reheat in the microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, or in a pan over low heat. Keeps it juicy. I cranked it too high once, lazy, and it dried out. Total bummer. Low and slow’s the way for that teriyaki chicken slow cooker snap.

What Others Are Saying

Next, here’s what folks say about this easy crockpot dinners. Real takes from my crew:

• Jake: “Dinner’s saved. Ate it all!” He yelled it mid-bite, stoked.
• Lena: “Too good. Seconds please!” She texted me, full and grinning.
• Oli: “Chicken hit my soul. Wow!” He made it for his fam, beaming.
• Sara: “Best lazy meal. More now!” She ambushed me at drinks, hooked.

What’s your take gonna be? Bet it’ll outshine these, hands down.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken FAQs

Can I skip the honey?

Yeah, but it’s flat. Keep ¼ cup honey for honey teriyaki chicken vibes. I skipped once. Dull sauce.

No slow cooker?

No sweat. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes with sauce for teriyaki chicken recipe. Did it once. Still solid.

Freeze it?

Oh, for sure. Freeze cooked for 2 months. Reheat at 325°F for 20 minutes. I stock it. Lifesaver.

Why’d the sauce stay thin?

Ugh, hate that. Skipped cornstarch or didn’t boil. Use 2 tablespoons next time for slow cooker teriyaki. Fixed mine after.

In Conclusion

So this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is my rainy-night redemption. It’s sticky, tender, and full of stuff that drags me through the chaos. Sometimes it flops if I rush. I’ve cursed a watery pot once. Loud as hell. But that’s why I love it. A slow cooker teriyaki chicken dish that’s real and hits deep. Perfect for any day you’re juggling life.

Try it. Snap a pic. Spill your guts in the comments, pin it on Pinterest, or yell it to your crew! I’m dying to hear how it lands. Don’t ghost me!