Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Transform your dinner routine with the most succulent, flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken! This dish is a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder, delivering tender chicken bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, and your slow cooker does all the work.
• Unbelievably Tender: Chicken thighs emerge incredibly juicy and fall-apart tender after hours of slow simmering.
• Sweet & Savory Perfection: The balanced blend of honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: A universally loved taste that appeals to both adults and children.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
• Weeknight Warrior: Ideal for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Nutrient-Packed: A fantastic source of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.
• Versatile Serving: Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

Crafting this incredible Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken requires just a few pantry staples, creating a symphony of flavors. We recommend opting for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness and choosing fresh chicken thighs for the best texture. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 2 lbs (approx. 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (approx. 120ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (approx. 50g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – A crisp, refreshing side to complement your main dish.

Essential Equipment

To master this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few key tools. A reliable slow cooker is paramount for that hands-off, tender perfection, while a good whisk ensures your sauce is smooth and lump-free.

• Slow Cooker (5-6 quart): The star of the show for effortless cooking.
• Medium Bowl: For whisking together your vibrant sauce.
• Small Bowl: Essential for creating the cornstarch slurry to thicken your teriyaki glaze.
• Whisk: To perfectly emulsify your sauce ingredients and achieve a smooth slurry.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours (depending on setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Chicken & Sauce

1. Gently place your boneless, skinless chicken thigh pieces into the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the soy sauce, golden honey, rich brown sugar, pungent minced garlic, fragrant ground ginger, aromatic sesame oil, and optional fiery red pepper flakes until perfectly combined. This creates the incredible teriyaki base.
3. Carefully pour this luscious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated for maximum flavor absorption.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

4. Cover your slow cooker tightly with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Thickening the Teriyaki Glaze

5. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, prepare your thickening agent. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until you have a perfectly smooth, lump-free slurry.
6. Carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Stir the prepared cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Immediately increase the heat setting to high.
7. Continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the honey teriyaki sauce has beautifully thickened to a glossy glaze. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can always thin it slightly with a splash of hot water or chicken broth.
8. Serve this delectable honey teriyaki chicken generously over fluffy cooked rice.
9. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and vibrant chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT: How to Make Shredded Chicken – Learn the best techniques for perfectly tender shredded chicken every time.

Tips for Success

• Even Cuts Matter: Cut chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over the dish’s saltiness. You can always add more salt at the end if needed.
• Don’t Skimp on the Slurry: Whisk your cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth to avoid lumps in your thickened sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the honey, brown sugar, or soy sauce to your preference.
• Garnish for Impact: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just for looks; they add essential fresh flavor and texture.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Easily make this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or add a dash of sriracha at the end.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some frozen broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Chicken Breast Option: While thighs offer the most tender results, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.
• Sugar Swap: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey and brown sugar for a slightly different, but equally delicious, sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is wonderfully versatile! For a classic meal, serve it generously over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Alternatively, consider pairing it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a vibrant stir-fry of mixed vegetables make excellent side dishes. A refreshing glass of iced green tea or homemade lemonade would complete this delightful meal.

Health Benefits

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken offers a robust 35g of protein per serving, crucial for muscle repair and satiety. It provides a good source of energy from carbohydrates and healthy fats. Incorporating a side of fiber-rich vegetables further enhances its nutritional profile, making it a balanced and satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!

Freezer: For longer storage, transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs, so monitor cooking times to ensure they remain tender and juicy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Always double-check labels on other ingredients like cornstarch to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What if my teriyaki sauce doesn’t thicken?

Ensure your slow cooker is on high heat when you add the cornstarch slurry. If it still doesn’t thicken after 20 minutes, you can make a small additional slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and stir it in, cooking for a few more minutes.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whisk together all the sauce ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes assembly even quicker on cooking day.

Is the red pepper an essential ingredient?

No, the red pepper flakes are entirely optional! They add a very mild, subtle warmth to the Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken. Feel free to omit them if you prefer no heat at all.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Heartier vegetables like carrots and bell peppers can be added during the last 1-2 hours of cooking on low. Softer vegetables like broccoli or snap peas should be added during the last 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy.

More Delicious Dishes

• Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – A perfect, crisp accompaniment that brightens any Asian-inspired meal.
• Red Curry Recipe – Explore another world of rich, aromatic flavors with this vibrant curry dish.
• Coconut Chicken Recipe – For another tender chicken dish with a creamy, exotic twist you’ll adore.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game-changer for delicious, stress-free meals. We hope you savor every sweet and savory bite! Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiring recipes and meal ideas.

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