Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a magical dish that transforms your weeknight dinner into a delightful culinary experience with little effort. sticky honey chicken dish Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious, sweet-savory sauce, its aroma wafting through your home like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Moroccan spiced salmon recipe For more inspiration, check out this Honey Mustard Chicken recipe recipe.

This dish brings me back to family gatherings where the slow cooker was the star of the show. Friends and family would gather ’round, eagerly waiting for that moment when the lid lifted, releasing a fragrant steam filled with promise and deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The explosion of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing with joy
- Its glossy appearance makes it visually appealing on any dinner table, and it’s versatile enough for rice bowls or lettuce wraps
I once made this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki for a potluck, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds a zingy kick; use a microplane for easy grating.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives that sweet depth that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar adds brightness; don’t skip this!
For the Sauce:
- Sesame Oil: Just a dash enhances the overall flavor with its nutty aroma.
- Green Onions: Chopped finely for garnish; they add freshness and color.
- Sesame Seeds: These crunchy little delights are great as a garnish and add texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing garlic and ginger. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined. This fragrant mixture will be pure magic once it cooks.
Add It All to the Slow Cooker: Place your chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over them ensuring every piece is covered and coated beautifully.
Cook It Up: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas—try not to sneak bites!
Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, stir in chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. This will enhance both flavor and presentation!
Enjoy this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki over steamed rice or veggies for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress! baked chicken legs with rice.
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is not just flavorful; it’s a game changer for busy weeknights
- The aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere
- Plus, the tender chicken practically falls apart, making it perfect for serving over rice or noodles
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken and searing it briefly in a hot pan, then transfer it to the slow cooker with teriyaki sauce. This method enhances flavor and gives you perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or even shrimp. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition, making each bite an adventure.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For better flavor integration, marinate your chicken in teriyaki sauce overnight
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; too much chicken can lead to uneven cooking
- Lastly, always taste before serving—sometimes a pinch of salt makes all the difference!
Sometimes I whip up this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki when I’m feeling nostalgic; it reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter and second helpings that just seemed to disappear. slow cooker pot roast recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki?
Yes, but thawing first ensures even cooking and better texture.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki?
For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup recipe.
Serve it over rice or noodles, paired with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
You can mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the last hour of cooking.

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a delightful dish that transforms your weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmered in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it the perfect meal for busy evenings. This versatile recipe can be served over rice or in lettuce wraps, making it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the slow cooker. You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp and add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition.