Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken gives the best results, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Thaw them completely first, then cut into pieces and proceed with the recipe. Using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker isn't recommended for food safety reasons, as it may spend too long at temperatures that encourage bacterial growth.

Why is my sauce too thin?

This typically happens if there was excess moisture in your chicken or if your slow cooker lid doesn't seal well, preventing proper reduction. The easy fix is adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid slightly ajar to allow evaporation.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination issues.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce sugar content, cut the brown sugar and honey amounts in half. You could also use coconut sugar as an alternative. For lower sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and increase the water slightly. Adding extra vegetables during the last hour of cooking boosts the nutritional value.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons ginger powder; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Green onion, chopped; Sesame seeds

This mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a sweet-savory sauce that thickens to glossy perfection. Simply toss everything in your slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll have a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just coat the chicken, mix the sauce ingredients, add everything to your slow cooker, and let it do the magic while you tend to other tasks.
Rich, Balanced Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger creates that classic teriyaki profile that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
Tender Texture: The slow cooking process transforms ordinary chicken breast into melt-in-your-mouth morsels that absorb all that delicious sauce.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this mild, sweet teriyaki flavor – it’s the perfect gateway dish for introducing Asian flavors to children.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked. Make sure to cut into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Cornstarch: This coating is crucial for both thickening the sauce and giving the chicken a slight “crust” that helps it maintain texture during long cooking.
Soy Sauce: Provides that essential umami foundation. It’s the backbone of any good teriyaki sauce.
Water: Balances the intensity of the soy sauce and creates enough liquid for proper slow cooking.
Brown Sugar: Offers caramel notes and sweetness that’s essential in authentic teriyaki. The molasses content also adds depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic punch that permeates the entire dish.
Ginger Powder: Provides warming, spicy notes that cut through the sweetness. If you prefer, fresh grated ginger works beautifully too.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and that signature glossy texture to the finished sauce.
Sesame Oil: Just a small amount adds tremendous nutty depth. Be careful not to overdo it – this ingredient is potent!
Green Onions: These aren’t just garnish – they add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the rich sauce.
Sesame Seeds: Provide visual appeal and subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.

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

Protein Swaps

Try this teriyaki sauce with chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender results. Beef strips, pork tenderloin chunks, or firm tofu work wonderfully too.

Veggie-Packed Version

During the final hour of cooking, add broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots for a complete one-pot meal. The vegetables will soften but maintain some texture.

Spicy Teriyaki

Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness.

Pineapple Teriyaki

Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks and use pineapple juice to replace half the water for a tropical twist that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until every piece is lightly but thoroughly coated. This step is key for creating that perfect sauce texture later.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger powder, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer the cornstarch-coated chicken to your 6-quart slow cooker, spreading it in an even layer. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are submerged.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked to 165°F, and the sauce will have thickened into a beautiful glaze. If possible, give everything a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to prevent any burning around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. Pair with hot steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking. For extra flavor, you can sear the coated chicken in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer an extra thick sauce, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Flavor Enhancers: For deeper flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before using them as garnish. The difference in taste is remarkable.
Equipment Matters: Different slow cookers heat at varying temperatures. If yours runs hot, check the chicken earlier to prevent overcooking, which can make it dry.
Ingredient Quality: Use good quality soy sauce and honey – they’re the foundation of your flavor profile, so it’s worth spending a bit more on these key ingredients.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this teriyaki chicken over fluffy white rice or brown rice to absorb the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

Complement with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet teriyaki.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve in a shallow bowl over rice, drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker, and arrange the green onions and sesame seeds artfully on top. A few thin slices of fresh chili add color and optional heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the chicken continues to absorb the sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled teriyaki chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separate from any rice.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a covered microwave-safe dish with a splash of water to maintain moisture, or warm slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken gives the best results, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Thaw them completely first, then cut into pieces and proceed with the recipe. Using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker isn’t recommended for food safety reasons, as it may spend too long at temperatures that encourage bacterial growth.
Why is my sauce too thin?

This typically happens if there was excess moisture in your chicken or if your slow cooker lid doesn’t seal well, preventing proper reduction. The easy fix is adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid slightly ajar to allow evaporation.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination issues.
How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce sugar content, cut the brown sugar and honey amounts in half. You could also use coconut sugar as an alternative. For lower sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and increase the water slightly. Adding extra vegetables during the last hour of cooking boosts the nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki truly embodies comfort food that fits into busy lifestyles. The hands-off cooking approach delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – perfect for those days when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy for complicated recipes. The sweet-savory balance of the sauce coating tender chicken pieces creates a meal that feels special yet requires little more than measuring and dumping ingredients. Give it a try next time you’re craving takeout but want something healthier and more budget-friendly!