Ready in: 6-8 hours (slow cook) · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Quick Answer
A simple, hands-off recipe for making tender and flavorful teriyaki chicken in your slow cooker.As the crisp autumn air begins to wrap around New York City, I find myself thinking about warm, hearty meals that not only nourish the body but also evoke a sense of comfort and community. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, home-cooked dishes are more important than ever. This is where my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken comes in-effortless yet utterly delightful. It's become one of my go-to recipes for gatherings, allowing me more time to enjoy the festivities without being tied to the stove.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Prep in minutes and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy more time with loved ones.
- Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of tender chicken and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce will be a hit at any gathering.
- Healthy option: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
- Versatile: Perfectly pairs with rice, vegetables, or even wraps, making it a flexible meal choice.
- Excellent for leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
For this mouthwatering dish, you will need:
Chicken
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium for balance)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare teriyaki chicken using a slow cooker.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. The sweetness from the honey paired with the savory depth of soy creates an irresistible aroma right off the bat.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Arrange them so they are in a single layer if possible, making sure every piece gets enveloped in that glossy, fragrant sauce.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it coats each piece. My favorite part is watching the sauce bubble and thicken as it starts to cook.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Whether you choose low or high will determine how tender your chicken turns out. I love the low setting-the chicken practically falls apart and soaks up all those luscious flavors!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Set it to high and let it thicken for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried veggies, and top each plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that finishing touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Chicken Breasts: While tempting, chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
- Cooking on High for Too Long: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken; stick to the times specified.
- Rushing the Sauce Thickening: Patience is key; letting it thicken slowly elevates the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Pair this dish with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for a complete meal that's vibrant and healthy.
- Consider making a double batch of the sauce on the side if you have extra chicken, ensuring plenty of flavor for leftovers.
- If you want to amp up the flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a couple of hours before cooking.
Variations
- Substitute brown sugar for honey for a different sweetness.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas into the slow cooker.
- Try using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
How to Serve
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice.
- Pair with stir-fried veggies for a colorful presentation.
- Top each plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Accompany with a side of pickled ginger for extra flavor.
- Offer with warm tortillas for a unique fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in it for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the delicious sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container. Defrost before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
During the testing of this recipe, I found that longer cooking times enhance the flavors significantly, resulting in a dish that surpasses any takeout option. The hands-off cooking method allows for more enjoyable moments during the holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~320 calories · 30g protein · 18g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it coats each piece.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and stir cornstarch mixed with cold water into the sauce to thicken. Cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce. Serve over rice or vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can use chicken breasts, thighs are recommended for their added flavor and moisture. Chicken breasts can easily become dry when cooked in a slow cooker.
2. How long should I cook the chicken?
You can cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low setting is preferred for tender, flavorful chicken.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. Just combine and cook in the slow cooker when you're ready to enjoy the meal.
4. What should I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans make for wonderful sides.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish also freezes well; use a freezer-safe container and reheat gently when you're ready to enjoy it again.
