Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of teriyaki chicken wafting through your home. Juicy, tender chicken drenched in a sweet and tangy sauce is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! That’s exactly what Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken delivers. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. Just throw the ingredients into your slow cooker, relax for a few hours, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love.
Did you know that teriyaki sauce originated in Japan? This delectable dish has become a household favorite in many American families, thanks to its easy preparation and delightful taste. It’s tough to find anyone who wouldn’t be excited about a dinner like this. If you love this dish, you might also want to check out my BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe, which is just as easy and even more flavorful. So get your slow cooker ready, and let’s dive deeper into this delightful recipe that’s here to make your kitchen time a breeze!
What is Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
So what’s in a name? “Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken” pretty much sums it up! But where does “teriyaki” come from? This Japanese term literally means “to grill” or “to broil,” so you might be wondering, “Why slow cook it then?” Well, let’s think about it: when else can you have all those tender, juicy flavors meld together while you kick back with your favorite TV show? It’s like saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but with a slow cooker twist! If that sounds enticing, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and put the “slow” in slow cooker, because this recipe is just waiting to grace your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
There are three main reasons why you’ll absolutely adore Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. First, let’s talk about its highlight: the rich, sticky teriyaki sauce that coats each piece of chicken, making each bite a burst of flavor. You’ll also save money making this dish at home instead of always ordering takeout. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
And let’s not forget the toppings! Just imagine the garnishing possibilities: a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a burst of green onions, or even a side of steamed broccoli for color and crunch. If you enjoy Asian-inspired dishes, you might also like my Honey Garlic Chicken, which features a similarly sweet sauce that’ll make your mouth water. So why wait? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Quick Overview
If you’re looking for a delicious and stress-free meal option, you’ve found it! Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is delightful, rich in flavor, and incredibly easy to make. With a preparation time of only 10 minutes, you can focus on more important things while your slow cooker takes care of the rest!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnishing)
- Green onions (for garnishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it all together until combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell fantastic during this time!
- Thickening the Sauce (optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once it’s cooked. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water and stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks, mix it back in the sauce, and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
What to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken With
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or a colorful stir-fry. You could also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or some crispy egg rolls for an authentic touch! Don’t forget to pour some of that luscious teriyaki sauce over your sides for extra flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: While the recipe calls for chicken thighs for their moisture and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be mindful not to overcook them.
- Personalize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking. If you want it a bit spicier, add some red pepper flakes.
- Timing is Key: If you’re short on time, use the high cooking setting, but cooking on low is always recommended for the best flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: If you cook the chicken too long, it could dry out. Keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in individual portions for easy reheating! When you’re ready to enjoy your dish again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Enjoy your cooking adventures with this delightful Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe! You and your family will love the wonderful flavors and the hassle-free preparation. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) Use thighs for moisture and tenderness.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) Mix with water for sauce thickening.
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds For garnishing.
- to taste green onions For garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it all together until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once it’s cooked, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water and stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
Serving
- Shred the chicken with two forks, mix it back in the sauce, and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
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