Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

I came across a unique twist on honey teriyaki chicken that instantly piqued my interest. Using tender chicken breasts, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, this slow cooker dish masterfully melds flavors and textures. Shredded and sauced to perfection, it promises a satisfying, savory adventure.

I first discovered this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe when I needed a quick dinner idea that still had tons of flavor. I love how simple it is to put together with just a few ingredients.

I use chicken breasts, garlic, fresh ginger, low sodium soy sauce, and honey to create a savory and slightly sweet sauce that slowly infuses the meat. Sometimes I’d add a bit of water and a tablespoon of cornstarch to give the sauce a perfect thickness.

I shred the chicken after it’s cooked and coat it back in that awesome teriyaki flavor. Its flavor reminds me of other teriyaki recipes I’ve tried over the years, from slow cook chicken teriyaki to those unique Ayam Teriyaki versions, and each time I feel excited to have another twist in my weekly meal plan.

Trust me, if you’re looking for an easy, tasty dinner that steps away from the norm, this recipe might just become your new favorite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to throw together even on busy days. I really appreciate how the slow cooker makes the chicken ultra tender and the sauce gets all thick and yummy. I also love the mix of garlic, ginger, soy, and honey that makes every bite sweet and savory. Plus, it fills my kitchen with the best smells and makes dinner feel cozy without much fuss.

I made this slow cooker teriyaki chicken and let me tell you, it turned out awesome. You just put the chicken breasts in a pot along with garlic, ginger, soy sauce and honey. After it cooks for a long time, the chicken gets so tender you can shred it with forks and mix it back with the sauce. The sauce thickens up real nice and coats every piece. It’s a simple, comforting meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts give plenty protein, keeping dish hearty and satisfying.
• Minced garlic adds bold flavor and natural antimicrobial benefits, boosting overall taste.
• Fresh ginger brings zing and warmth, aiding digestion and balancing flavors.
• Low sodium soy sauce provides rich umami taste while reducing salt, making it healthier.
• Honey lends natural sweetness, complementing savory flavors in this slow cooker recipe.
• Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it glossy and letting flavors cling nicely.
• Green onions and sesame seeds brighten the dish, adding crunch and color.
• Optional water adjusts sauce consistency for a perfectly smooth finish.
• This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying cravings.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicknin the sauce)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional sprinkle for serving)

How to Make this

1. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and sprinkle the minced garlic and grated ginger evenly over them.

2. Drizzle the soy sauce and honey on top, making sure every piece gets coated.

3. Put the lid on and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is super tender.

4. Once its done, take the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into bite sized pieces.

5. In a small bowl, mix the water with the cornstarch until it’s smooth then pour this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

6. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring every now and then until it becomes a bit thicker.

7. Put the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker and stir completely so all the chicken gets a good coat of that yummy sauce.

8. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed, maybe add a little more soy sauce or honey if you want it sweeter or saltier.

9. Scoop your teriyaki chicken into bowls and top with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

10. Serve with rice or your favorite side and enjoy a delicious meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Small bowl for mixing the cornstarch and water
6. Forks for shredding the chicken
7. Stirring spoon
8. Serving bowls

FAQ

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have chicken breasts you can use chicken thighs instead for extra juicy meat or even firm tofu if you want a vegetarian version
• If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. Use roughly 1/4 teaspoon for each garlic clove called for in the recipe
• Instead of using fresh grated ginger, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger powder per tablespoon of fresh ginger
• For a soy free version, replace low sodium soy sauce with coconut aminos which gives a similar flavor profile
• If you dont have honey, try agave nectar as a substitute to maintain that sweet balance in the sauce

Pro Tips

1. Try marinating the chicken in some of the sauce mix for an hour before throwing it in the cooker. It really helps the flavors soak in deeper and makes the chicken even more tender.
2. When you add the cornstarch water mix, stir the sauce a lot to avoid any lumps. You might even want to let it simmer a little longer if its not thick enough yet.
3. Taste the sauce near the end of cooking and adjust the honey or soy sauce if you feel it needs more sweetness or saltiness. Sometimes a little squeeze of lime juice can brighten everything up too.
4. If you like a little crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle more green onions or sesame seeds on top when you serve it. Its a simple touch that really makes a difference.