Save to Pinterest Tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner with minimal prep.
I remember serving this teriyaki chicken for a midweek family dinner and was amazed how simple ingredients could make such a comforting dish. It's been a favorite whenever time is short but everyone craves hearty flavor.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 4 pieces
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Low-sodium soy sauce: 1/2 cup
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup
- Rice vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Fresh ginger, grated (or ground ginger): 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon ground)
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
- Cold water: 1/4 cup
- Sesame oil (optional): 2 tablespoons
- Jasmine or long-grain white rice: 2 cups uncooked
- Green onions, sliced: 2
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional):
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2 & 3 minutes per side until lightly browned to enhance flavor.
- Slow Cook:
- Place chicken into the slow cooker.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 & 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker.
- Final Sauce Simmer:
- Cover and cook on high for 20 & 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package instructions.
- Finish Chicken:
- Shred or slice chicken, return to sauce, and mix well.
- Serve:
- Serve teriyaki chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Save to Pinterest One evening, my kids insisted on extra sesame seeds, and their excitement turned dinner prep into a fun kitchen project. This meal always brings everyone together at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables or enjoy with a crisp white wine.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, mixing bowls, whisk, rice cooker or saucepan, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains soy and sesame. Calories per serving: 490, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 72 g, Protein: 35 g.
Save to Pinterest This slow cooker teriyaki chicken makes weeknights easy and satisfying. Simply garnish and serve for a family favorite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and often provide extra tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.
- → How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving. Then cook on high until it thickens.
- → Is searing the chicken necessary?
Searing is optional but enhances flavor by adding a caramelized crust before slow cooking.
- → What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice are ideal as they absorb the sauce well and remain fluffy.
- → Can I add vegetables to this meal?
Yes, steamed broccoli or snap peas can be added before serving to add freshness and nutrients.