Tired of costly takeout and bland weeknight meals? Discover the ultimate solution with this incredibly fresh, simple, and perfectly seasoned Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. Crafted right in your own kitchen, this recipe promises tender chicken swimming in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce with minimal prep. It’s the quintessential easy teriyaki chicken recipe, bursting with tangy, savory, and sweet flavors that the entire family will adore, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest evenings.
Effortless Flavor: The Magic of Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Imagine tender, succulent chicken bathed in a glossy, sweet, sticky, and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. This isn’t a dream; it’s what you get with our easy slow cooker chicken teriyaki. Forget store-bought bottles filled with unknown ingredients; crafting your own sauce from scratch is surprisingly simple and yields a flavor profile that’s unparalleled. With key ingredients like rich brown sugar, golden honey, a hint of zesty ginger, and balanced low-sodium soy sauce, our sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken breasts. The result is an absolutely irresistible dish that far surpasses any takeout option, making it a true family favorite.
Unlock Easy Weeknight Dinners with Your Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is a busy home cook’s best friend, transforming dinner preparation into a virtually effortless task. Simply combine your ingredients, set it, and within a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, easy slow cooker meal ready to enjoy. Beyond its unparalleled convenience, the slow cooker excels at gently cooking meats like chicken to perfect tenderness. The extended cooking time and the steam trapped within the tightly covered pot ensure that your food is not only flavorful but also safely cooked, destroying bacteria and locking in moisture for exceptionally juicy results. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach that guarantees a satisfying meal every time.
Versatile & Delicious: Enjoying Your Chicken Teriyaki Beyond Dinner
One of the best aspects of this slow cooker chicken teriyaki recipe is its incredible versatility, especially when it comes to repurposing leftovers. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a foundation for countless other culinary creations. Transform leftover teriyaki chicken into delectable sandwiches or sliders on toasted buns, pile it high in soft taco shells for an Asian-fusion twist, or wrap it in fresh lettuce leaves for a lighter, healthy option. It also makes a fantastic protein boost for salads, adding a burst of flavor and substance. With this dish, meal prep becomes a breeze, ensuring deliciousness throughout the week.
Explore More Delicious Slow Cooker Creations
If you’re loving the convenience and flavor of slow cooker cooking, you’ll want to try these other mouth-watering recipes. Expand your slow cooker repertoire with my Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs for a sweet and savory feast, or whip up a tender and flavorful Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken that rivals any store-bought version.
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Cool Cooking: Enjoy Slow Cooker Meals All Summer Long
When the temperatures soar outside, the last thing anyone wants is to stand over a hot stove in an even hotter kitchen, preparing a heavy meal. This is where easy slow cooker recipes become a true lifesaver! Our crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is the ideal light and refreshing meal for summertime, though its deliciousness makes it perfect any time of year. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that cooks up in just a few hours, with your slow cooker handling almost all the work. To create a complete and wonderfully simple summer meal, serve this flavorful chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and complement it with a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad. Dinner is served with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
The Perfect Companion: Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
For those hectic evenings, simple meal ideas are invaluable. What could be easier or more convenient than simply twisting open a jar of delicious bean salad? Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is a flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly easy side dish that requires zero cooking. Packed with a delightful blend of beans and a savory dressing, it’s a quick win for any meal.
Jars of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, along with their other fantastic products, are absolute pantry staples in my home. Whether we enjoy it straight from the jar as a refreshing side dish or creatively incorporate it into recipes like this hearty Five Bean Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet, a comforting Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad, or even appetizers such as this creamy Mexican Hot Taco Dip, it consistently saves the day when I’m wondering “what’s for dinner?” A well-stocked pantry is always a smart idea, and it truly shines when time is of the essence.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Crafting this delicious crockpot chicken teriyaki relies on a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand in your refrigerator or pantry. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our dish. For a richer flavor and often a more economical choice, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a fantastic alternative.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: These crucial sweet elements provide balance to the savory and salty components of the teriyaki sauce, creating that signature sweet-and-sour profile.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This gives the sauce its deeply umami, savory character. Opting for low-sodium is key to controlling the overall saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overpowering.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a delightful acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, brightening the sauce’s flavor. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as suitable substitutions if needed.
- Garlic: Essential for its pungent, warm, and aromatic qualities, garlic deepens the savory notes of the sauce.
- Ginger Puree: Provides a spicy, zesty brightness that is characteristic of authentic teriyaki flavor. Freshly grated ginger root can be used for an even more vibrant taste.
- Pepper: A pinch of black pepper enhances and awakens all the other flavors in the sauce, adding a subtle warmth.
- Cornstarch: When combined with water to form a slurry, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent. Stirring it into the sauce at the end ensures a beautifully thick, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry, vital for thickening the sauce.
- Scallions and Toasted Sesame Seeds: Optional, but highly recommended for garnish. They add a fresh, aromatic finish and a pleasant textural contrast, elevating the dish to restaurant quality.
Simple Steps: How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Preparing this chicken teriyaki in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. For even more detailed instructions, please consult the complete recipe card provided below.
1. Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the brown sugar, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, ginger puree, and a dash of pepper until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
3. Pour and Cook
Pour the freshly whisked teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender.
4. Shred or Cube Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. You can either shred them using two forks or cube them into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife, depending on your preference. Return the prepared chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce.
Cooking Tip: For beautifully shredded chicken, cook the breasts for the longer duration (closer to 5 hours). If you prefer neat, cubed chicken, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time, ensuring it’s still fully cooked. Always confirm the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
5. Thicken the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. Transfer the rich teriyaki sauce from the crockpot to a medium-sized saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the warming sauce on the stove. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency – a beautiful, glossy, and sticky coating.
6. Combine and Serve
Pour the thickened, flavorful sauce back over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Keep the chicken warm in the crockpot until you’re ready to serve. Dish it out generously over a bed of freshly cooked rice, then garnish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic finish.
Quick Rice Tip: For an even faster meal prep, consider using one of the convenient steamer packets of rice available at your local grocery store. They come in varieties like long grain white rice (my personal favorite for this dish), Basmati, and Jasmine rice. It’s an easy and delicious shortcut for busy weeknights!
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Don’t let this incredible slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe slip away! Be sure to save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make Asian-inspired meal.
Tips, Twists & Creative Ideas for Your Chicken Teriyaki
The wonderfully balanced Asian flavors in this slow cooker chicken teriyaki recipe make it incredibly versatile for pairing with a variety of side dishes and for adapting to different tastes. Elevate your meal by easily incorporating vegetables: simply double the sauce recipe and add chopped carrots, fresh broccoli florets, vibrant bell peppers, or tender cauliflower during the last hour of cooking in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
Serve your teriyaki chicken over a bed of your preferred rice – classic white rice, nutrient-rich brown rice, or a lighter cauliflower rice all make excellent choices. For an added touch, consider a side of steamed edamame, which pairs beautifully as an appetizer or a healthy accompaniment. Don’t forget the garnishes! A generous sprinkle of fresh green onions (scallions) and toasted sesame seeds will add an authentic, restaurant-quality touch and a delightful textural contrast to this appetizing Asian-infused dish.
Looking to customize? This recipe readily welcomes twists! For a spicy teriyaki chicken, simply stir in some red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking. To create a delightful Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, add fresh or canned pineapple chunks to the crockpot along with the chicken and sauce. If you’re catering to dietary needs, easily make a gluten-free version by swapping low-sodium soy sauce for Tamari sauce and using arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.
What Are the Best Side Dishes for Chicken Teriyaki?
When planning your meal, finding the perfect side dishes to complement this Asian-inspired main course can elevate the entire dining experience. Alongside your fluffy rice, consider these delicious pairings: my Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers for an extra protein kick, a refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad, or a hearty Basic Garlic Fried Rice to complete your feast.
However, if you’re seeking the ultimate quick and easy side, look no further than simply opening a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad! The most challenging part is simply twisting off the lid – that’s my kind of cooking, especially during the warmer months! My friends at Paisley Farm Foods and I share a common goal: to bring you fantastic-tasting, home-cooked meals without unnecessary fuss. We believe in providing foods that you can feel great about serving to your family and enjoying yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Are teriyaki sauce and teriyaki marinade the same thing? No, while they share similar flavor profiles, teriyaki sauce and teriyaki marinade are distinct in their primary use. A marinade is designed for a longer, slower process, allowing its flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize meat over time before cooking. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, is typically a thicker, more viscous condiment used during or after cooking to coat, glaze, or dip the finished dish. Our slow cooker recipe leverages the sauce to both marinate the chicken as it cooks and to create a rich glaze.
Can you overcook chicken in the crockpot? Yes, it is indeed possible to overcook chicken in a slow cooker! While slow cooking is forgiving, leaving chicken in for too long can result in dry, stringy meat rather than the desirable juicy and tender texture. It’s important to stick to the recommended cooking times and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) without exceeding it excessively.
More Irresistible Asian-Inspired Recipes to Enjoy
If you’re a fan of the vibrant and diverse flavors of Asian cuisine, you’ll love exploring these other delicious recipes:
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole: A comforting baked version of your favorite teriyaki chicken.
- Chinese Chicken Salad: A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light meal.
- Sticky Asian Meatballs (pictured above): Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy meatballs – great as an appetizer or main.
- Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe: A classic takeout dish made simple at home.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy and vibrant side dish with a zesty dressing.
- Ginger Soy Dressing: A versatile dressing to elevate any salad or dish.
- Hawaiian Pork Sliders: Sweet and savory pork served on soft buns, perfect for entertaining.
Find Paisley Farm Products Near You
Ready to experience the deliciousness of Paisley Farm products? Visit their official website to locate a store near you where you can pick up their renowned Five Bean Salad or any of their other fabulous offerings. Stay connected and discover great recipes all year long by following Paisley Farm on their social media channels: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Don’t miss out on the incredible value of their two-packs, often found at Sam’s Club and Costco in both the U.S. and Canada – perfect for stocking up!
Discover All My Paisley Farm Recipes Here
Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge, let’s dive into making this wonderfully simple crock pot chicken teriyaki recipe and bring an explosion of flavor to your dinner table!
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Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Equipment
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, 24 oz (Pack of 6)
- Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon ginger puree or fresh grated ginger root
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- scallions and toasted sesame seeds for serving if desired
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and pepper.
- Pour over the top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Remove chicken from crockpot and either cube it or shred it. * Return it to the crock.
- Transfer the sauce from the crockpot to a medium-sized saucepan. Warm over medium heat.
- Whisk together cornstarch and water until it is smooth and there are no lumps.
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce on the stove and stir as it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine.
- Keep it warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
- Serve over rice with a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds.