If you’re looking for a hands-off meal with irresistible flavor, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect! Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp Asian-inspired salad, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of soy sauce, honey, and mirin, while the gentle heat tenderizes it to perfection. It’s a family-friendly dish that you can easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees a delicious result every time. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce is free from preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup soy sauce (low-sodium soy sauce works great if watching salt intake)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- Cooking spray (for greasing the slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Make the Sauce
Add the soy sauce, honey, mirin, rice vinegar, garlic powder, powdered ginger, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil to the slow cooker. Whisk everything together until well combined. Do not add the cornstarch and water mixture yet. - Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the sauce. - Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred with a fork. - Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a medium-sized serving dish. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then set it aside. - Thicken the Sauce
Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan using a fine mesh strainer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the strained sauce. - Simmer the Sauce
Heat the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. - Combine and Serve
Stir half of the thickened sauce into the shredded chicken and reserve the rest for serving. Enjoy your teriyaki chicken over rice, with stir-fried veggies, or as part of a salad!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes
This dish is rich in lean protein from the chicken and features a flavorful sauce made with wholesome ingredients. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the honey for a lighter sweetness. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your variations or serving ideas in the comments . Don’t forget to pass this recipe on to friends and family who love easy and delicious slow cooker meals. Cooking together makes life more flavorful!
