You know that moment when the craving for tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce hits? That’s exactly what this slow cooker teriyaki chicken delivers.
The teriyaki sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, while the slow cooker does all the work, turning chicken into a succulent dish that’s full of flavor.
Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple yet satisfying. With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, and the end result will have you wondering how something so easy can be so delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This dish is as simple as it gets, yet it comes with all the flavor you need. Here’s why it’s so great:
- Tender Chicken – Slow cooking makes the chicken juicy and flavorful, shredding beautifully with just a fork.
- Delicious Teriyaki Sauce – The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Hands-Off Cooking – You don’t have to hover over the stove. Just set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Versatile Meal – This chicken can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it on rice, in wraps, or even on top of a salad for a light meal.
With minimal effort and a slow cooker doing the work, you’ll end up with a flavor-packed meal that’s great for busy days or special occasions.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Both work well in the slow cooker. Thighs will give you a bit more flavor, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Teriyaki Sauce – You can use store-bought or make your own for a more authentic taste.
- Soy Sauce – Adds that salty depth that makes teriyaki so irresistible.
- Brown Sugar – For a touch of sweetness that balances out the salty soy sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a bit of spice to the sauce, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Ginger – A small amount of fresh ginger adds a nice bite to the sauce.
- Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce and give it that glossy finish.
These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce – In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Slow Cook – Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Thicken the Sauce – In the last 30 minutes of cooking, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water, then stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken.
- Serve – Serve the chicken over rice, in wraps, or with vegetables for a complete meal.
In just a few simple steps, you have a rich and flavorful dish ready to be enjoyed.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | The fluffy rice soaks up the flavorful teriyaki sauce, creating the perfect base. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers bring freshness and balance to the meal. |
| Noodles | Serve the chicken with lo mein or soba noodles for a fun, noodle-packed dish. |
| Edamame | Lightly salted edamame is a great side that adds a healthy touch to the meal. |
| Cucumber Salad | A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar helps cut through the richness of the dish. |
| Garlic Bread | Soft garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover teriyaki sauce. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the chicken cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat the chicken in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour if you prefer using it.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Chicken breasts are leaner but still work well.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if you like a sweeter sauce, or cutting back for a more savory taste.
- Add vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Double the sauce if you want extra to serve over rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can use sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or soy sauce-based marinades.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier version, add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce, or serve with sliced jalapeños.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day.
5. How can I serve this differently?
You can serve the chicken in tacos, wraps, or over a salad for a light and healthy option.
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a simple yet flavorful meal that will quickly become a go-to for busy days. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies, it’s a dish everyone will love!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and sauce
- Large Skillet For searing or browning the chicken if desired
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve the shredded chicken over rice, in sandwiches, or on a salad. Garnish with extra ranch dressing or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or more hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
About The Author
