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Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
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This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe offers a tender, juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made from simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, it requires minimal prep and delivers balanced, rich flavors suitable for pairing with rice, noodles, or vegetables. With versatile serving options and easy meal prep, it’s a hassle-free favorite that brings authentic teriyaki goodness to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 3/4 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and water or chicken broth until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating the flavorful teriyaki base that will slowly infuse the chicken.
  2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook the chicken on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow cooker gently braises the chicken, developing deep flavors and a perfect texture.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, turn the heat to high, and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency, stirring occasionally.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over the chicken to add color and flavor. Serve the chicken warm over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred base.

Notes

  • Choose dark meat like chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results than breasts.
  • Don’t skip fresh ginger and garlic; they significantly enhance the sauce’s depth.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry near the end to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or gloopy during cooking.
  • Cook on low heat for best tenderness and flavor infusion.
  • If the sauce is too watery after cooking, thicken it with additional cornstarch slurry off heat as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken teriyaki, easy chicken recipe, teriyaki sauce, slow cooker dinner, gluten-free chicken teriyaki

Find it online: https://withnora.com/slow-cooker-chicken-teriyaki/