Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent chicken swimming in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce that practically melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for hassle-free recipes, or someone craving restaurant-quality Asian cuisine, this dish promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and trimming any excess fat. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Use a spoon or spatula to distribute the sauce if needed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the teriyaki flavors.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer the remaining liquid to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes until it reduces and becomes slightly more concentrated.
- Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish, spooning the reduced teriyaki sauce over the chicken if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender during slow cooking, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out easily.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Always pat your chicken thighs dry before cooking to help the sauce adhere better and prevent excess liquid.
- Layer Flavors: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of rice vinegar or a splash of mirin to your sauce mixture.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don't skip the optional stovetop reduction step – it concentrates the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish Matters: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds aren't just for looks – they add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 395kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
