Save to Pinterest Tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner with minimal prep.
Slow-cooker teriyaki chicken is a go-to in my kitchen when everyone wants takeout but we crave something homemade. I remember making this for my kids after a long workday, and every bite felt like the perfect reward.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, salt and pepper (to taste)
- Teriyaki Sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed), 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) or 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup cold water, 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
- Serving: 2 cups uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice, 2 green onions (sliced), 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season & Sear:
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned (optional).
- Slow Cook:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil if using. Pour over chicken.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Cook Rice & Serve:
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Shred or slice chicken, return to sauce, and mix well. Serve teriyaki chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family to the table, especially on busy nights when we want comforting food with little fuss. The kids love piling the chicken high on their rice, and everyone has seconds.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, rice cooker or saucepan, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce) and sesame (sesame oil, seeds). Always check ingredient labels for allergies if required.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 490. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 72 g. Protein: 35 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this slow cooker teriyaki chicken as a cozy main dish that solves dinner any night. It is sure to become a family favorite in your weekly rotation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra tenderness and flavor when slow cooked.
- → How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker near the end of cooking, then cook on high until the sauce thickens.
- → Is searing the chicken necessary?
Searing is optional but enhances the flavor and adds a pleasant browned crust before slow cooking.
- → What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice work well as fluffy, neutral bases to soak up the sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, steamed broccoli or snap peas can be added before serving for extra texture and nutrition.