So let’s get a minor technicality out of the way right up front. Strictly speaking, teriyaki is a cooking method that involves grilling or broiling. So this is not teriyaki at all. Nor are most of the recipes you see that call for pan-frying the chicken. Minor detail, right? But this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a healthy version of the dish that has all the flavors we are familiar with. And it’s made simpler in the slow cooker for a hands-off meal that is ready and waiting at the end of a long day. You be technical if you want. I’m calling this teriyaki chicken. 😉
I made it a goal at the beginning of the year to use my slow cooker more, and not just in the winter time. Slow cooker to the rescue, no matter the season! As part of this plan, I regularly schedule a slow cooker night into my monthly meal plans. (Yes, I plan out our meals by the month. Yes, I know this is a bit crazy but it works for me. I’ve got all the details in my official guide to meal planning, which will help you get started planning at all, going for a weekly menu or going crazy with me and doing it by the month.) This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is one of our faves. It’s super simple but has an amazingly complex flavor - the sweetness from the brown sugar, a background of mild garlic flavor, a slight spice from the ginger and the unmistakable umami flavor of the soy sauce.
The sauce that it cooks in is finished quickly on the stove and becomes so silky smooth and thick. It lovingly coats every strand of the chicken and is completely addictive. (Oh, but if you need a quick and easy version, check out this 15-minute teriyaki chicken.)
Notes on crock pot teriyaki chicken:
You really do need to boil the liquid mixture at the end. I tried whisking the cornstarch into the slow cooker (cause I’m lazy and wanted to see if I could skip that step) and the sauce just doesn’t get as thick or achieve the same depth of flavor. It takes less than 5 minutes and one little pot. Totally worth it. If you want a bit more of a spicy kick, add a drizzle of sriracha sauce when you plate this up. #chachacha This recipe makes a lot but the chicken freezes great! Just defrost and reheat in a small pan on the stove for a super quick dinner another night.
I also have been known to eat the leftovers cold from the fridge. I’m not even embarrassed; it’s frickin’ delicious. Leftovers are also good in a wrap. I recommend you layer some lettuce down first so the liquid doesn’t get the wrap all soggy then add the teriyaki chicken and top it with some chopped red onion and pineapple. Oh yeah baby!
And here’s your game plan for getting this on the table quickly when you get home and are ready to eat: Voila, dinner is served! You totally got this. Enjoy! XO, Kathryn
You really do need to boil the liquid mixture at the end. I tried whisking the cornstarch into the slow cooker and the sauce just doesn’t get as thick or achieve the same depth of flavor. It takes less than 5 minutes and one little pot. Totally worth it. If you want a bit more of a spicy kick, add a drizzle of sriracha sauce when you plate this up. This recipe makes a lot but the extra freezes great! Just defrost and reheat in a small pan on the stove for a super quick dinner another night. You can also use leftovers for lunch another day over rice again or for a wrap. I recommend you layer some lettuce down first so the liquid doesn’t get the wrap all soggy then add the teriyaki chicken and top it with some chopped red onion and pineapple.
All-Clad Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker
title: “Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-16” author: “Rafael Serrano”
4.89 19 Published Oct 04, 2019, Updated Sep 16, 2021
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe feels extra fancy because it’s like takeout in the comfort of your own home. Bonus points for much fresher and healthier ingredients! Don’t get me wrong, I love treating myself to a dinner out, but I also love knowing what goes in the food I’m eating and I like to stick with high quality, real food as much as possible.
Ingredients in Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
The star of this recipe is definitely the sauce. Store-bought teriyaki sauce is usually a mixture of soy sauce, high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, salt, spices and other preservatives. While it’s super easy to buy a bottle at the store it’s allllmost just as easy to make the sauce at home. For this version we’re using the following ingredients:
low-sodium tamari – soy sauce works great too but tamari makes this dish gluten-free honey ketchup – make sure to check the label for high fructose corn syrup and choose a brand that doesn’t use it olive oil chili garlic sauce (also called Sambal Oelek)
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Start by whisking together the sauce in a small bowl. Add the chicken breasts to a slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top, coating the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. I usually pick my heat level and cook time based on what my day looks like and when I’m prepping everything! When the chicken is done cooking, remove the chicken and transfer to a cutting board to let cool. You’ll leave the sauce in the slow cooker! Whisk arrowroot powder and water until the powder dissolves. Arrowroot powder acts similarly to corn starch and helps thicken the sauce. Pour the arrowroot mixture into the slow cooker with the sauce and stir until smooth. Turn the slow cooker on high and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens.
Shred the chicken using two forks and then add chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce to combine. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and serve. I like serving this shredded teriyaki chicken over rice with broccoli on the side.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Tempeh Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole Slow Cooker Coconut Curried Eggplant
If you make this slow cooker teriyaki chicken, please be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how it turns out. Your feedback is so helpful for the EBF team and other EBF readers.
