Enjoy a sweet and savory meal with this effortless Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken! Tender chicken, bathed in a rich honey teriyaki sauce, makes for a delicious and convenient dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Convenient: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work.
Sweet & Savory: A perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce.
Tender & Flavorful: Chicken that’s incredibly tender and infused with delicious teriyaki flavor.
Versatile Serving: Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides a lean and tender protein base.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
Honey: Adds sweetness and a sticky glaze.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Chopped Onion: Provides a savory base.
Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
Water & Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
Green Onions: (Optional) For garnish, adding a fresh, oniony flavor.
Sesame Seeds: (Optional) For garnish, adding a nutty flavor and texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken breasts in the bottom.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, onion, garlic, pepper, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the sauce into a saucepan. Whisk together water and cornstarch, then slowly whisk into the sauce over medium-high heat. Boil until thickened.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over it, stirring to coat. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Non-Stick Spray: Spraying the slow cooker with non-stick spray makes cleanup easier.
Cook Until Tender: Cook the chicken until it easily shreds with a fork.
Thicken Gradually: Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to avoid lumps.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your preference.
Garnish Generously: Use plenty of garnishes for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Over Rice: Serve over cooked rice for a classic teriyaki bowl.
Over Noodles: Serve over noodles for a flavorful stir-fry style meal.
Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Sandwiches or Sliders: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice wine vinegar.

3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add broccoli florets, bell peppers, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Lisa

Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe