You know those nights? The ones where you get home, stare into the fridge, and just sigh because the thought of actually cooking feels like climbing a mountain? Yeah, I’ve been there way too often! That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Seriously, it’s like a magic trick for your weeknights. You toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning (or even just 10 minutes before you technically “should” start cooking), and when dinner time rolls around, you’re greeted with the most unbelievably tender, flavorful chicken. It practically falls apart with a fork and the sauce? Oh, that sauce is just divine. I remember the first time I made it; I was running late from a parent-teacher conference and totally forgot about dinner. I threw this together in a panic, and my family raved so much, they thought I’d been slaving away for hours!
Why This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try
Okay, so why should you totally make this slow cooker teriyaki chicken? Let me count the ways! First off, the sheer ease is a game-changer. We’re talking ten minutes of prep, tops. You just dump stuff in the pot and walk away. Forget hovering over the stove or worrying about burning anything – the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. That makes for minimal active cooking time, which is a lifesaver on busy days.
And the flavor? Wowza! The homemade-ish teriyaki sauce gets all deep and yummy, coating every single piece of chicken. Speaking of chicken, it comes out unbelievably tender and juicy. I mean, like, melt-in-your-mouth good. Plus, it’s super versatile. Serve it over rice, stuff it in lettuce wraps, add it to stir-fries – you name it, this teriyaki chicken works! It’s honestly one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I need a delicious, fuss-free meal.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s get our ducks (or should I say, chicken!) in a row. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is that it uses pretty basic stuff you might even have in your pantry already. Grab these goodies and you’ll be on your way to dinner heaven!
- Chicken: You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are my secret weapon here because they stay super moist and tender in the slow cooker.
- Teriyaki Sauce: One big cup of your favorite teriyaki sauce. Store-bought is totally fine, no judgment here!
- Soy Sauce: A quarter cup of soy sauce to add that extra salty oomph.
- Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons of packed brown sugar. This adds just a touch of sweetness and helps with that gorgeous glaze.
- Fresh Ginger: One tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. This is where a lot of that bright, zingy flavor comes from. You can find it in the produce section, just give it a good mince!
- Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, also minced. Because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better, right?
- Cornstarch: You’ll need a tablespoon of cornstarch. This is our little helper for thickening up that amazing sauce later.
- Water: Just two tablespoons of water to mix with the cornstarch.
- For Serving: Don’t forget some cooked rice – fluffy white rice is classic!
- Garnish: And some chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s get this amazing chicken cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a total pro. Trust me, following these steps will have you singing the praises of your slow cooker in no time. This is where the magic really happens, turning simple ingredients into a weeknight dinner superstar.
It’s honestly so easy, I sometimes feel like I should be wearing a chef’s hat, even though I’m barely lifting a finger! You can check out my cozy slow cooker chili if you’re looking for more dump-and-go goodness!
Preparing the Chicken and Sauce
First things first, just pop those chicken thighs right into your slow cooker. No need to chop or anything fussy! In a separate little bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, that zesty fresh ginger, and the yummy minced garlic. Give it a good swirl until it’s all combined. Then, just pour this delicious concoction right over the chicken. Easy peasy!
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Now for the longest part – waiting! Cover up your slow cooker. You have two fabulous options: set it to LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a rush, HIGH for 2 to 3 hours works like a charm too. The chicken will be cooked through and wonderfully tender when it’s ready. Give it a poke to be sure!
Thickening the Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and you’ve removed it to shred (don’t worry, we’ll get back to that!), it’s time to thicken up that incredible sauce left in the slow cooker. Grab a small bowl and whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. This is your magic slurry! Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Then, switch the cooker to HIGH and let it bubble away for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving it a stir now and then, until it’s nice and thick. You’ll see it transform!
Finishing and Serving Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Grab two forks and shred that tender chicken right in the slow cooker, or you can do it in a separate bowl if you prefer. Once it’s all pulled apart, toss it back into the thickened teriyaki sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure every single shredded piece is coated in that glossy, amazing sauce. And there you have it! Spoon this gloriousness over fluffy cooked rice. A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top adds a lovely finish and a pop of color. Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Okay, you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about really making this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe sing! These little tricks have saved me more than once and really up the ante on flavor and texture. Think of them as your secret weapons for teriyaki perfection! Check out more easy dinner recipes if you need more inspiration!
Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
Chicken thighs are my absolute favorite for this because they just can’t dry out, but hey, if chicken breasts are what you have, go for it! Just know they cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them – maybe start checking after 2 hours on high. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some broccoli florets or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a little kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is *chef’s kiss*!
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Sometimes the sauce is a little thinner than you like, or maybe you added extra liquid. No worries! If it’s too thin after you shred the chicken, just whip up a bit more cornstarch and water slurry (half the amount, so maybe 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to 1 tablespoon water) and stir it in while the slow cooker is on high. Let it bubble for another 10-15 minutes. If it gets too thick, just stir in a splash more water or teriyaki sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Your Teriyaki Chicken
So you’ve got this amazing slow cooker teriyaki chicken, now what do you serve it with? The possibilities are pretty much endless! Over fluffy white rice is totally classic and delicious, of course. But you could also try brown rice for a healthier twist, or even some quinoa if that’s your jam.
Steamed broccoli or crisp-tender green beans are fantastic right alongside it – they add a nice fresh crunch. Sometimes I’ll even whip up some quick stir-fried veggies with carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. For something a little different, serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter meal, or stuff it into bao buns! And don’t forget a little side salad, you know, for balance! Check out my easy side salad recipes for some simple ideas.
Storage and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken is super simple. Just let any remaining chicken and sauce cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s sealed nice and tight so it doesn’t dry out or pick up any weird fridge smells.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take out what you need. The absolute best way to reheat it is gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Give it a stir every so often until it’s heated through. This way, the chicken stays tender and that yummy sauce stays lovely and glossy. You can also microwave it, but stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Honestly, it’s almost as good the second time around!
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe? I get it! It’s one of those dishes that seems too good to be true, so it’s natural to wonder about the little details. Here are a few things folks often ask:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You sure can! Just remember chicken breasts are leaner, so they can dry out quicker. I’d recommend checking them after about 2-3 hours on HIGH to avoid them getting tough. They won’t be quite as fall-apart tender as thighs, but still super yummy!
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The cornstarch and water slurry is your best friend here! If your sauce still looks a bit thin after cooking, just whisk up a bit more cornstarch and water (about half a teaspoon of each should do it) and stir it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker on high for another 10-15 minutes. Voila! Thick, glossy perfection.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally prep the sauce ingredients and chop the ginger and garlic the night before and store them in the fridge. Or, cook the whole dish and then store the finished teriyaki chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm through.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the brands you use and how much sauce you decide to drizzle on. But for a typical serving of this yummy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, expect about 450 calories, 20g of fat, 40g of protein, 30g of carbs, and 25g of sugar. Pretty great for such an easy meal, right?
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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and flavorful teriyaki chicken made in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki chicken, easy chicken recipe, chicken dinner, asian chicken