Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: A Takeout Favorite Made Easy 7 Simple Steps

Craving takeout but want to skip the trip and control the ingredients? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe brings all the sweet, savory, and sticky goodness of your favorite teriyaki dish right to your kitchen.

With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll enjoy melt-in-your-mouth chicken coated in a glossy sauce that tastes just like restaurant-quality fare.

Whether you’re a fan of meal prep or just need an easy dinner idea, this dish has got you covered. Best of all, it’s highly versatile—perfect over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap. You’ll love how hands-off it is, giving you more time to focus on your busy day while your meal practically makes itself.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?

This teriyaki chicken recipe gives you all the flavors you love about takeout but with a homemade twist. With the help of your slow cooker, you get perfectly cooked, tender chicken infused with an umami-rich sauce that strikes the ideal balance between salty and sweet.

The beauty of slow cooking lies in its simplicity—just toss in the ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and walk away. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. Whether you want to customize the sweetness or add a touch of spice, you can tweak the recipe to fit your taste preferences.

What Makes Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken So Great?

• Effortless Meal Prep: This recipe requires minimal prep, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust the sweetness with honey or brown sugar, or add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking guarantees soft, flavorful chicken that shreds easily.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for variety.

The Benefits of Making Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Why wait for delivery when you can enjoy homemade teriyaki chicken without any fuss? Preparing this dish yourself comes with some fantastic perks.

1. Control Over Ingredients: Use low-sodium soy sauce, substitute brown sugar with honey, or add more veggies—customize it however you like.
2. Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout bill and make multiple servings at a fraction of the cost.
3. Healthier Choice: Cut back on unnecessary sugars and sodium by making your own sauce from scratch.
4. Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch, freeze portions, and reheat whenever you need a quick meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy teriyaki chicken recipe:

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water (optional, for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes tender and easily shredded.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high.
5. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
6. Serve:
   Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.

Customizing Your Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken recipe offers plenty of room for customization. Try these variations to keep things interesting:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or even pork instead of chicken for a different spin.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Wondering what goes well with slow cooker teriyaki chicken? Here are some tasty pairing options:

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
• Noodles: Serve over udon, ramen, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add color and crunch with stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! This dish stores beautifully and makes for great meal prep.

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a little slice of takeout joy made right at home. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or prepping meals to make your week easier, this recipe will quickly become a trusted favorite.

With its rich, savory flavors and sticky sweetness, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. Plus, the ease of the slow cooker means you can enjoy restaurant-quality food without the extra work—just set it, forget it, and savor the delicious rewards.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ready to enjoy the magic of homemade takeout? Try this teriyaki chicken recipe for your next meal and bring the irresistible flavors of slow-cooked goodness straight to your table. We’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag us so we can cheer you on.

Whether you enjoy it over rice, noodles, or tucked into wraps, this dish is sure to become a hit in your kitchen. Get your slow cooker ready, and let’s get cooking—happy eating!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: A Takeout Favorite Made Easy 7 Simple Steps

Ethan Walker

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, great over rice or noodles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lbs 1.5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• 1/4 cup water optional, for thickening
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish optional
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

 

• Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes tender and easily shredded.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high.
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
• Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.

Keyword easy teriyaki, meal prep, slow cooker, sticky chicken, teriyaki chicken

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