Description
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender, shredded chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles and can be garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, tossing it well to coat all the pieces in the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This recipe works well with both chicken breasts and thighs; however, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
- For a complete meal, add steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freeze well for future meals.
