Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
I start by placing the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
I pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, I remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
In a small bowl, I mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Then, I stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
I cook the sauce on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken it.
Finally, I return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, tossing it in the thickened sauce to coat.
I serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add vegetables: I sometimes add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
Spicy Teriyaki: For a spicy twist, I’ll stir in a little bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Chicken thighs: I can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result.
Serve with noodles: Instead of rice, I sometimes serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked noodles for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
Storing: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, I’ll add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this teriyaki chicken gluten-free, I use tamari instead of soy sauce, which is a gluten-free alternative.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding it.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, I can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
If I want a sugar-free or vegan option, I can swap the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What kind of rice should I serve with this chicken?
I usually serve this teriyaki chicken over jasmine rice, but any type of rice or even cauliflower rice will work well.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is one of those meals that feels both comforting and special, without the fuss. With minimal effort and a rich, delicious result, it’s a go-to recipe that I’ll return to again and again for busy weeknights or meal prep. The tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and simple ingredients come together perfectly for a satisfying meal.
Recipe:

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, made with minimal prep and cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cook the sauce on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken it.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, tossing it in the thickened sauce to coat.
- Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
To make gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
For a spicier dish, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
Serve over rice or noodles for a variation.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg