Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Crafting an irresistible slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark joy in your kitchen.

Tender meats bathed in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce bring comfort and excitement to dinner.

Sweet honey mingles with robust teriyaki, creating a harmonious flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Minimal prep work means you can spend less time cooking and more moments enjoying a delicious meal.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, turning an ordinary weeknight into a memorable dining experience.

Succulent chicken becomes the star of this effortless recipe, infused with rich, complex flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

What to Love About Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• This slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken delivers an effortless dinner solution that transforms basic ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal kitchen effort and time investment.
• The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to walk away and return to perfectly tender, flavorful chicken without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that coats juicy, fall-apart chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies diverse taste preferences with minimal resistance.
• Whether served over steamed rice, tucked into tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables, this adaptable recipe offers multiple meal variations that keep dinner exciting and prevent mealtime monotony.

Ingredients That Go into Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the teriyaki flavors beautifully, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work best for maximum juiciness.

• Soy Sauce, Honey: Creates a rich, sweet and savory base that caramelizes during slow cooking, low-sodium soy sauce recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness, helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide deep, authentic Asian flavor profile, fresh is always more aromatic than dried.

• Cornstarch, Water: Essential for creating a glossy, clingy sauce texture, make sure to mix into a smooth slurry.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and light nutty crunch, use as a final touch for extra flavor and texture.

• Rice, Noodles, Steamed Vegetables: Perfect accompaniments to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce, choose based on personal preference.

Easy Guide to Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Water

Grab a mixing bowl and vigorously whisk all ingredients until they blend into a smooth, tantalizing sauce that promises mouthwatering flavors.

Step 2: Layer Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place chicken pieces into the slow cooker and generously pour the prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring every inch gets coated with the delicious marinade.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen. Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce Consistency

Mix cornstarch with water to create a quick slurry. Stir this into the cooking liquid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, transforming the sauce into a rich, glossy coating.

Step 5: Transform Chicken Texture

Using two forks, gently shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice according to your preference. Ensure chicken is evenly coated with the thickened teriyaki sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve alongside steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Pro Tricks for Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance deeper taste profile.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to prevent over-thickening, ensuring smooth and glossy sauce texture.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium version to reduce salt content without compromising flavor.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free and celiac-friendly.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store shredded chicken in sauce for up to 4 days in refrigerator, making excellent quick lunch or dinner option.

Saving Leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Store leftover honey teriyaki chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken remains good for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and preserve sauce consistency.

What Goes Well with Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Jasmine or short-grain white rice perfectly absorb the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creating a delightful base that complements the tender chicken's rich flavors.
• Crisp Japanese sake or a light, cold Sapporo beer cut through the dish's sweetness, balancing the teriyaki's intensity with a clean, refreshing finish.
• Roasted bok choy or steamed edamame add a vibrant green crunch that contrasts the soft chicken, bringing additional nutrition and textural excitement to the meal.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the dish to introduce a nutty, fresh layer that elevates the overall taste profile and visual appeal.

Creative Takes on Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use cornstarch or arrowroot starch as a thickening agent.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Reduce honey amount to cut down on sugar content while maintaining flavor.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for those who enjoy heat. Increase ginger and garlic for an extra flavor punch.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture before adding to the slow cooker, ensuring it absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.

Your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add some sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki mixture to give it a spicy kick.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts both work well. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content.

• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This can help the flavors meld together and save time on cooking day.

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor mouthwatering slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken that blends sweet and tangy flavors from Asian cuisine. Rich marinade and tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish and Serving:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables

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Instructions

1. Craft the aromatic teriyaki marinade by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water in a mixing vessel until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Position chicken pieces evenly across the slow cooker surface, ensuring complete coverage with the prepared teriyaki liquid.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to simmer gently on low temperature for 4-5 hours or alternatively on high setting for 2-3 hours, ensuring meat becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then gently fold into the cooking liquid to enhance sauce consistency.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a glossy, rich texture.
6. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken directly within the slow cooker, ensuring each morsel is coated with the luxurious teriyaki glaze.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the surface.
8. Serve the succulent teriyaki chicken atop steamed rice or tender noodles, accompanied by vibrant seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful results, ensuring even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
• Adjust honey quantity for those watching sugar intake, replacing with low-sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Pat chicken dry before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess liquid and help sauce adhere better, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a heart-healthy option without compromising the dish’s delicious teriyaki taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg