Ready in: 6-7 hours · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
With minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe fills your home with comforting aromas and offers a burst of sweet, savory flavors that will delight your holiday gatherings.
There's something about the hustle and bustle of New York City as the holidays approach that makes me crave dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. The aroma of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes fills the air, transporting me to my favorite Asian-inspired bistro. Today, I want to share a recipe that brings that essence right into your kitchen, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings: Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken. It's a veritable crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Holiday Comfort in a Bowl
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes your holiday meals effortless and enjoyable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation in a slow cooker, allowing you to focus on holiday festivities.
- Delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that appeal to everyone.
- Minimal ingredients needed for maximum flavor, making it budget-friendly.
- Can easily be adapted to different proteins, so it's versatile for various dietary needs.
- The perfect crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferably organic)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This recipe comes together seamlessly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. The beauty of using thighs is their tenderness; they stay juicy as they cook.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. As I whisk this mixture together, I can't help but notice the glossy sheen forming, melding those sweet, savory notes beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I love to check back after a few hours and inhale the sweet and savory aromas wafting through my kitchen-it's pure bliss.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and fork-tender, it's time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze.
Step 5: Serve
I ladle the chicken onto a platter, drizzle the thickened sauce over the top, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds a nice crunch and freshness that is heavenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time; chicken thighs can dry out if left too long.
- Skipping the ginger and garlic: These fresh ingredients are essential in achieving that authentic teriyaki flavor, so don't omit them!
- Using regular soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to avoid an overly salty dish, allowing the honey flavor to shine.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For extra depth of flavor, you can add chopped pineapple or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious glaze.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
- When reheating leftovers, add a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture, as the sauce can thicken further in the fridge.
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs with pork or tofu for different protein options.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Use different vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a unique twist.
How to Serve
- Ladle the chicken onto a platter and drizzle the thickened sauce over the top.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The teriyaki sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a tablespoon of water when reheating to maintain moisture, as the sauce can thicken further in the fridge.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; make sure to store in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I realized just how adaptable it is. It works wonderfully with different proteins like pork or tofu! This flexibility allows for experimenting with ingredients while still delivering that satisfying teriyaki taste.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 20g protein · 20g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, whisk together cornstarch and water, stir into sauce, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve the chicken topped with the sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out more easily. Cooking time may need to be adjusted as well.
2. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to keep the dish moist.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and then cook them in the slow cooker when you're ready to eat.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option.
