Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though it’s leaner and may not be quite as moist. Be careful not to overcook; check after 3 hours on high.

Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Not at all. This recipe skips that step for ease and speed, and the flavors are still absolutely fantastic. The sauce will provide all the caramelization needed.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with two teaspoons of water, stir it into the sauce, and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Add sturdy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup teriyaki sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 Tbsp. brown sugar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 3 tsp. minced garlic; Green onions, sliced (optional)

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki deserves a permanent place in your weekly rotation. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, most of the work done by your trusty slow cooker, and outrageously savory-sweet flavors, this is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, glazed in a glossy teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and just the right amount of garlicky—so satisfying, yet unbelievably simple to pull together. It’s genuinely the answer for those bustling weeknights when you want something much more delicious than takeout, but far less effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Minimal prep, no fuss, and the slow cooker handles all the magic while you get on with more important things (like relaxing).
Fast Prep, Slow Cook: Get it all in the pot in the morning (or even ten minutes before lunchtime) and come home to a meal that tastes like you fussed for hours.
Big, Bold Flavors: The mixture of sweet honey, brown sugar, and umami-rich teriyaki makes the chicken irresistible—sticky, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Better Than Takeout: Way more control over what goes in, plus the freshness that comes from home-cooked.
Family-Friendly: Kids and grown-ups alike will ask for seconds. Picky eaters? Almost impossible with this dish.
Flexible for Add-Ins: You can toss in veggies, adjust the sweetness, or swap out protein with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A quick overview of each ingredient and why it matters:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show. They stay juicy and soak up flavor like nothing else—no dry chicken here! If you prefer breast meat, swap it in; but thighs are genuinely best for this purpose.
Teriyaki Sauce: All the essential umami and sweetness, ready-made. Use your favorite brand or even homemade.
Chicken Broth: Really helps tenderize the chicken and forms the base of a delicious, silky sauce.
Brown Sugar: For depth and a richer molasses note—you’ll miss this if you skip it.
Honey: Adds that appealing glossy finish and a gentle floral sweetness.
Minced Garlic: Brings the punchy aroma and balances the sweet, sticky sauce.
Green Onions: A pop of freshness and a little sharpness at the end. Garnish is optional, but highly recommended for both color and flavor contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feeling adventurous or catering to different tastes? Here are some playful twists:

Swap for Chicken Breast: Works beautifully if that’s your preference—just know breast cooks a touch faster and is leaner.
Boost the Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets for the last hour or so of cooking. They’ll soak up that gorgeous sauce.
Extra Kick: Like a bit of heat? A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce works wonders.
Make it Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce or tamari.
Asian-Inspired Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil finish it beautifully.
Pineapple Teriyaki: Add diced pineapple for an extra juicy pop and natural sweetness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Build Your Sauce

Add chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic to your slow cooker. Give it all a good stir. This is your flavor base—it should already smell incredible!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Why? This means more surface area for all that delicious sauce to cling to and super quick cooking.

Step 3: Coat and Cook

Toss the chicken thoroughly in the sauce so every piece is covered. Pop the lid on your slow cooker.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work

Set it to high for four hours. That’s all you need—no stirring halfway, no baby-sitting. The chicken will turn meltingly tender and richly flavored.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once done, give it a quick stir (the sauce will have thickened slightly and turned glossy). Pile onto plates and shower with sliced green onions for a fresh, peppery pop.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Chicken Evenly: Bite-sized, even pieces will cook at the same rate and absorb more sauce.
Don’t Overcook: Four hours on high makes for wonderfully juicy chicken. Much longer, and you risk it getting stringy.
Make it Saucy: Prefer thicker sauce? When the cooking time is done, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce in the slow cooker (lid off) for 10-15 minutes to reduce, or add a cornstarch-water slurry for extra stickiness.
Taste and Tweak: Don’t be afraid to taste at the end and adjust with a splash of soy sauce for salt, or an extra drizzle of honey if you want a sweeter glaze.
Let it Rest: A few minutes rest after cooking allows the chicken to reabsorb some of the sauce—don’t rush serving.

How to Serve

This Chicken Teriyaki shines when paired with fluffy white rice—the sauce soaks right in, and every grain is coated. Brown rice is perfectly fine, especially if you want a nuttier flavor and more fiber. If you’re watching carbs, serve over steamed cauliflower rice or crisp stir-fried veggies. A scattering of sesame seeds, extra fresh green onions, and a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian slaw take it to the next level. For a complete meal, try serving with miso soup and a crisp green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift! Store cooled chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps fresh and flavorful for up to three or four days. The sauce thickens in the fridge but loosens right up when warmed.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags—freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works for smaller amounts—cover to prevent splatters and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though it’s leaner and may not be quite as moist. Be careful not to overcook; check after 3 hours on high.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Not at all. This recipe skips that step for ease and speed, and the flavors are still absolutely fantastic. The sauce will provide all the caramelization needed.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with two teaspoons of water, stir it into the sauce, and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Add sturdy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is everything a weeknight meal should be: quick to assemble, incredibly tasty, and totally satisfying. It transforms a handful of pantry items and chicken into a saucy, sweet-savory winner you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it, and let the slow cooker make you look like a dinnertime hero. Give this recipe a try soon—your future self will thank you!