Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Asian Dinner

By :

Jake

November 3, 2025

Close-up of glossy Slow Cooker teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Transform your weeknights with a truly delicious and simple dinner solution. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe brings the classic savory, sweet, and tangy flavors of teriyaki straight to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings, requiring just a few minutes of prep before your slow cooker does all the work. You will love sinking your teeth into tender, shredded chicken coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Shredded teriyaki chicken coated in glossy sauce with sesame seeds and green onions in a white bowl.

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Here’s why you will adore this easy teriyaki chicken:

Effortless Prep: Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and walk away. This truly is a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Tender & Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures incredibly juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth, infused with savory teriyaki flavor.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Skip the store-bought bottles and enjoy a fresh, customizable glaze made from scratch. You control the ingredients.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this sweet and savory slow cooker teriyaki chicken. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish.
Versatile Meal: Ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or for easy meal prep. Enjoy it in bowls, wraps, or as a component of larger meals.
Healthier Takeout: Enjoy the flavors you love without the guilt. Studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggest that cooking at home can lead to healthier diets compared to eating out. This homemade version is often a healthier alternative to restaurant dishes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic minced
2 teaspoons ginger minced
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients for this delicious slow cooker recipe. For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts, offering a richer flavor. Adjust the honey and brown sugar to your desired sweetness level. If you need a gluten-free option, easily swap out soy sauce for tamari. Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, so opt for them whenever possible. As a thickener, arrowroot powder works just as well as cornstarch.

Equipment

You won’t need much special equipment for this easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

Slow cooker (crock pot)
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Saucepan
Strainer
Two forks (for shredding)

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly simple with these step-by-step instructions. Soon you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

First, place the 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker pot. This is the foundation of your amazing meal.
Next, in a separate small mixing bowl, combine the homemade teriyaki sauce ingredients. Whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until they are well combined. This creates your rich and tangy glaze.
Historically, teriyaki originated as a cooking style in Japan, and the sauce itself was further developed in Hawaii. You can learn more about the origins of teriyaki sauce.
Carefully pour the whisked teriyaki mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is adequately covered by the sauce.
Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. This slow cooking time ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a clean plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should shred very easily.
Now, it’s time to thicken your sauce. Pour the remaining teriyaki cooking liquid from the slow cooker through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. This removes any small bits and ensures a smooth sauce.
Place the saucepan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring the strained teriyaki sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to heat through thoroughly.
While the sauce heats, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the 1/4 cup of cold water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in the saucepan. Continue to whisk constantly as the sauce comes back to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has just thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Finally, pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Toss the chicken gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, glossy sauce. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish, then serve your delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

To ensure your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. First, don’t overcook the chicken; monitor its doneness, as different slow cookers vary.
Second, thicken the sauce properly by whisking constantly while adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Use fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic for the best, most vibrant flavor. If adding vegetables, do so in the last 30-60 minutes to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Finally, for easy meal prep, store the shredded chicken and sauce separately.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Tender shredded teriyaki chicken with sesame seeds and green onions served on a white plate in natural light.

This versatile Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for many occasions.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve it hot over fluffy steamed rice or a bed of noodles for a complete meal.
Add a side of steamed broccoli, crisp snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables.
Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for presentation.

Storage:

Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before storing.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to rehydrate.

Flavor Variations:

Spicy: Introduce red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist.
Citrus: A squeeze of fresh orange or lime juice at the end brightens the flavor.
Ginger Boost: Add an extra teaspoon of fresh minced ginger for a more pronounced flavor.
Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts provides a richer, moister texture.

Nutrition

Enjoying this homemade Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken also means you are aware of its nutritional value. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Value
Calories	227kcal
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	25g
Fat	3g
Cholesterol	72mg
Sodium	542mg
Potassium	479mg
Sugar	17g
Vitamin A	35IU
Vitamin C	1.7mg
Calcium	29mg
Iron	1.2mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional estimates can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure you thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

Is homemade teriyaki sauce truly better than bottled?

Absolutely! Homemade sauce offers a fresher taste and allows you to customize sweetness and saltiness.

How can I make this slow cooker teriyaki chicken gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari for a gluten-free option.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

You can, but add them towards the end of the cooking cycle (last 30-60 minutes) to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy.

What if my teriyaki sauce is too thin or too thick?

If too thin, mix more cornstarch with water and whisk it in. If too thick, simply add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

How long does this recipe last in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this recipe will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken truly delivers on its promise of an easy, incredibly delicious meal. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce.

It’s the perfect fuss-free Asian-inspired dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. We encourage you to try this recipe soon and experience the convenience and fantastic taste for yourself. We would love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!