This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple, tasty dish that brings sweet and savory flavors to your table. Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with teriyaki sauce, and let it cook!
I love how hands-off this recipe is! You just set it and forget it, making it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal without all the fuss. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I recommend using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you have breast meat, it works too but can be a bit drier. You can also use other proteins like tofu for a vegetarian option or pork for a different flavor.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauces are handy, but you can easily make your own with soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar if you want full control over flavors. Just adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste!
Red Bell Pepper: Fresh red bell makes the dish bright and sweet. If you’re out, yellow or green peppers can work, or try snap peas for crunch. You could also skip the peppers altogether if you prefer the mushroom and onion flavor to shine.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are best for an authentic taste. If you’re in a rush, jarred minced garlic and ginger work too. However, nothing beats those fresh flavors!
Cornstarch: This ingredient is optional for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or simply skip it for a lighter sauce. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce too.
How Do I Achieve Tender Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
The key to tender chicken is low and slow cooking. Here’s how you can ensure the best results:
- Start with the right cut: chicken thighs are juicier than breasts.
- Layer the chicken at the bottom, as it needs the heat to cook properly.
- Cook on low for at least 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid the urge to lift the lid; it releases steam and slows cooking.
- Shred the chicken gently after cooking to keep it moist. Mix it back with the sauce to soak up flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Depending on your cooking setting, it will take either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, you’ll only need a few extra minutes to shred the chicken and serve. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook well.
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, sliced red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will add lots of flavor to your chicken!
3. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken pieces are nicely coated with the sauce mixture. This will ensure every bite is tasty!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily shredded. Just enjoy the wonderful aroma in your kitchen!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before the cooking is finished, add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. This will give your teriyaki chicken a nice, rich flavor!
6. Shred and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir it to combine with the sauce. This will make it juicy and full of flavor. Now you are ready to serve!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the teriyaki chicken over hot cooked rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a little extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts can become a bit drier if overcooked, so monitor the cooking time closely.
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can make a homemade version by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil. This will give you a similar sweet and savory flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftover Teriyaki Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. It’s great on rice or even in wraps!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Just chop them into similar sizes as the other veggies to ensure even cooking. Add them about an hour before the cooking time is up for best results!
