Name: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup teriyaki sauce; ½ cup brown sugar; 5 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Sesame seeds for garnish

Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy chicken infused with sweet and savory teriyaki flavors. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for those days when you want a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and savory that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, in tacos, or even on a salad for endless meal possibilities.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps the chicken moist.
Teriyaki Sauce: The key to that authentic teriyaki flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brings a rich sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
Soy Sauce: Adds that umami punch we all crave.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in adding authentic Asian flavor.
Sesame Seeds: For that perfect finishing touch and subtle crunch.

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.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat lovers.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Pineapple Teriyaki: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.
Thigh High: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for even more tender, flavorful meat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure they’re well coated.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir it back into the sauce. Serve over hot rice, garnished with sesame seeds and your favorite veggies.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out if cooked too long, even in a slow cooker. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Layer Flavors: For an extra flavor boost, quickly sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with green onions for a fresh finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons, you can use frozen chicken if you increase the cooking time by about 2 hours on low.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular teriyaki and soy sauces for gluten-free versions. Always check your labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Absolutely! Use the pressure cook setting for 10 minutes with a natural release. The sauce might be thinner, so you may want to reduce it using the sauté function after cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This teriyaki chicken is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week in various dishes.

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s time to let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the delicious rewards!