This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe that takes just minutes to get into the slow cooker. Perfect meal for those busy weeknights!
Hi, this is Stacey from Bake. Eat. Repeat. I’m here to tell you that this slow cooker teriyaki chicken has made an appearance at our dinner table at least 3 times in the last month – and we’re not sick of it yet.
I think that’s a pretty good indicator of how tasty this teriyaki chicken is!
Also – it’s a super easy meal. One of those dump and go slow cooker meals that takes absolutely no time to get going. Throw everything in and hit go. No browning, the sauce is super easy to mix up, and all you need to do at dinner time is make some rice and steam some vegetables to go with it. So easy.
Watch How to Make This Crockpot Chicken Teriayki Here!
If you have a newer slow cooker, you could probably even thicken the sauce in it by stirring in the corn starch slurry and turning it up to high for about 30 minutes before serving. Mine is a bit older and doesn’t get hot enough to thicken the sauce, so I do it on the stovetop. Still, it only takes about 5 minutes that way so that’s my preference anyways.
This teriyaki sauce, made with honey, is on the sweeter side. If you prefer a teriyaki sauce that is a little less sweet, you might like this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry, which uses a sauce that is sweetened with orange juice instead and only a little honey.
We enjoy both versions, and this crockpot teriyaki chicken is definitely an easy, make ahead option for those nights that are crazy busy right around the dinner hour and you don’t have time to be cooking everything right before you eat.
Plus, the leftovers make a great lunch the next day, or can be frozen for a future meal that just needs to be warmed up. That’s the kind of easy meal that gets made over and over here!
Tips for perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
- you can add the corn starch slurry into the slow cooker after shredding the chicken and cook on high for 30 minutes to thicken it slightly – if you want a thicker sauce, or have an older slow cooker that doesn’t get that hot, pour the sauce into a saucepan and thicken it on the stove instead
- you can make this recipe with either chicken breasts or thighs, both are terrific so use your preference
- you can easily double this recipe and use as meal prep for lunches for the week, or you can freeze it the leftovers and have an even faster meal that just needs to be reheated another night
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
A quick and easy dinner recipe that takes just minutes to get into the slow cooker. Perfect meal for those busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 3–4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- sliced green onions optional
- sesame seeds optional
Instructions
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Place the chicken in the crock of the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over top of the chicken and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
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Move the chicken from the slow cooker to a cutting board and shred it with two forks or chop it into bite sized pieces. Pour the sauce in the slow cooker into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
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In a small bowl whisk together the water and corn starch until well combined and whisk the slurry into the sauce.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce until it has thickened, about 2-3 minutes, and then toss the sauce with the shredded chicken.
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Serve over hot rice or quinoa, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
Notes
Source: Adapted from this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 240
Want more slow cooker goodness? Try these!
Melanie says
Can I put it in my slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours while I’m at work
Charles says
My slow cooker doesn’t have a low option for 4 hours :(. Is there a conversion I could use for high?
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
Cooking on high for about 2-3 hours should be fine!
Ron Austin says
Austin is not like it use to be 30 year’s ago, But the Hill Country is devine. Any German recipes up you sleave?
Debbie says
Good recipe, thanks! I love the “sweet”!
Can’t wait til we’re done with this hurricane- we’re close to Bush Intercontinental airport!