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)

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-go recipe requires minimal prep and results in a family-friendly main course you’ll love. Garnish with green onions for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup chicken broth
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. honey
3 tsp. minced garlic

For Garnish

Green onions, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the sugars are dissolved and the flavors blend together.
Cut and Add Chicken: Slice the boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the slow cooker and toss everything together so the chicken is well coated with the teriyaki sauce mixture.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish and Serve: Once done, give everything a quick stir. Garnish the chicken teriyaki with freshly chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or with your favorite sides.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but the result may be less juicy.
Double the sauce for extra if you plan to serve it over rice or noodles.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 317 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 1344 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 39 g
Cholesterol: 185 mg