Save 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 first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting but didn&t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker did all the work, and my family couldn&t get enough of the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste
- Teriyaki Sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar packed, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger), 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup cold water, 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
- For Serving: 2 cups uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice, 2 green onions sliced, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep Chicken:
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear (Optional):
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Slow Cook:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Make Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Pour over chicken.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and cold water in a bowl until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Prepare Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook 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 This was the recipe that finally got my kids to ask for seconds at the dinner table. Everyone loves building their own bowls with extra sauce and toppings.
Pairings
This teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp white wine like Riesling.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, skillet for searing, mixing bowls, whisk, rice cooker or saucepan, measuring cups and spoons are all you need to create this easy dish.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers about 490 calories, 7 g fat, 72 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein.
Save This wholesome teriyaki chicken makes dinner effortless and delicious. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs are an excellent choice, offering extra tenderness and richer flavor when cooked slowly.
- → How do I thicken the sauce properly?
Mix cornstarch with cold water before stirring into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- → Is searing the chicken necessary?
Searing is optional but recommended to lock in juices and add a subtle depth of flavor before slow cooking.
- → What type of rice works best for serving?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy and complements the savory-sweet sauce perfectly.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Steamed broccoli or snap peas added before serving provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender chicken and sauce.