Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Tired of the same old weeknight meals? These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches offer a delightful twist on a classic! Featuring tender, shredded chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a homemade teriyaki-inspired sauce, and crowned with a vibrant, creamy coleslaw, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly easy and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

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If you’re a fan of effortless yet incredibly flavorful meals, slow cooker sandwiches are an absolute game-changer. Beyond these fantastic Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches, you might also love exploring other slow cooker favorites like Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches, Hearty Italian Beef Sandwiches, or Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken from the Crockpot. Each promises a delicious, stress-free meal perfect for any day of the week.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Kitchen Hero All Year Round

Many people associate slow cookers with comforting winter stews and hearty soups. While they certainly excel at those, I find my slow cooker becomes an indispensable tool even more so during the warmer months. It might seem a little unconventional, but there are compelling reasons why this appliance truly shines when the temperatures rise, making it a true year-round kitchen hero that simplifies meal prep significantly.

1. Keep Your Kitchen Cool

On a scorching summer day, the last thing anyone wants is to fire up the oven or stand over a hot stove for an extended period. The slow cooker offers a brilliant solution. It cooks food slowly and efficiently without radiating excessive heat into your kitchen. This means you can prepare a delicious, hot meal without turning your home into an inferno. Forget salads every night or relying solely on microwave dinners – the slow cooker opens up a world of comfortable cooking possibilities, even when it’s sweltering outside. Enjoy a home-cooked meal without breaking a sweat, preserving your energy and comfort.

2. Effortless Meals for Busy Schedules

Summer often brings a whirlwind of activities: family vacations, outdoor adventures, kids’ camps, and longer daylight hours that encourage more time spent outside. Finding time to prepare a nutritious dinner can be a challenge. This is where the slow cooker truly saves the day. Imagine waking up, spending a mere 10-15 minutes assembling your ingredients, and letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your busy day. By evening, a fragrant, tender meal awaits, ready to be served with minimal additional effort. It’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ solution, freeing up your precious time for what truly matters, whether that’s family time, hobbies, or simply relaxing.

So, to all those who mistakenly relegate their slow cooker to winter storage, it’s time to reconsider! Embrace its versatility and discover how it can revolutionize your meal prep, offering both convenience and comfort, no matter the season. The ability to create incredible dishes like these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches with minimal hands-on time is invaluable for any busy household.

The Irresistible Allure of Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

Our family can’t get enough of anything teriyaki, and these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches are no exception. The unique blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in teriyaki sauce makes it a universally beloved condiment, and when infused into tender chicken, it creates an unforgettable experience. This recipe perfectly captures that essence, making it an ideal choice for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal any time of the year. The richness of the chicken paired with the crisp, refreshing coleslaw creates a dynamic texture and flavor profile that satisfies every palate. Whether it’s a casual backyard gathering in the summer or a cozy family dinner in the fall, these sandwiches promise a burst of flavor that everyone will adore. Get ready to break out your slow cooker and transform dinner into an absolute cinch!

Gather Your Ingredients for a Flavorful Feast

In recent years, I’ve leaned towards recipes that utilize basic pantry staples rather than relying on pre-packaged mixes. However, sometimes a smart shortcut is precisely what you need, especially on those incredibly busy days. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich recipe perfectly balances homemade flavor with convenient ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to create these fantastic sandwiches, along with some insights into each component:

For the Succulent Teriyaki Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless): My top recommendation. Chicken thighs are inherently more flavorful and forgiving than breasts, staying incredibly moist and tender during the long slow cooking process. Their slightly higher fat content contributes to a richer, more satisfying shredded chicken that won’t dry out. While chicken breasts can be used, they may require a slightly shorter cooking time to prevent them from becoming stringy.
• Ketchup: This seemingly unconventional ingredient is a secret weapon! Ketchup provides a crucial balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami, adding a familiar depth and body to the teriyaki sauce that helps it cling to the chicken. It’s the perfect base to build our flavorful sauce upon.
• Stir Fry Sauce: A good quality stir-fry sauce is the backbone of our teriyaki flavor. Look for one in the Asian section of your grocery store that boasts a good blend of soy, ginger, garlic, and perhaps a touch of sesame. It saves time without sacrificing authentic taste.
• Stir Fry Seasoning Mix (1 oz envelope): This powdered mix further elevates the Asian-inspired profile of the dish. It typically contains a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and sometimes a touch of red pepper, adding a complex layer of aroma and taste to the sauce. You’ll usually find it near other spice packets or in the baking aisle.
• Cornstarch (Optional): This ingredient is entirely optional but highly recommended if you prefer a thicker, more luscious sauce. A cornstarch slurry helps the sauce achieve a perfect glossy consistency that beautifully coats the shredded chicken, making it ideal for sandwich filling.

For the Crisp & Creamy Coleslaw:

The coleslaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich teriyaki chicken, providing crucial crunch, a tangy note, and a cooling creaminess. These are standard coleslaw components, but for an exciting Asian twist, consider swapping out some of the mayonnaise and cider mixture for a bit of the stir-fry sauce from the chicken!

• Mayonnaise: The essential base for our creamy dressing, providing richness and binding all the ingredients together. Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo and chicken, balancing the flavors and invigorating the palate.
• Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar is essential to round out the dressing, harmonizing with the vinegar and creating a classic sweet-and-sour coleslaw profile.
• Celery Seed: This often-overlooked spice provides a subtle, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that is characteristic of traditional coleslaw, adding a layer of complexity.
• Coleslaw Mix (4 cups): Pre-shredded cabbage and carrot mix makes this step incredibly fast and convenient. However, if you prefer, you can certainly shred your own fresh cabbage and carrots for extra crispness and control over the texture.
• Red Onion (1/4, sliced thin): Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, pungent bite and a beautiful pop of vibrant color to the slaw, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the slaw to perfection, enhancing all the other flavors and ensuring the dressing is well-balanced.

For Serving:

• Hamburger Buns (12): Soft, sturdy hamburger buns are ideal for holding this generous filling. Consider lightly toasting them for an extra pleasant crunch and to create a barrier that helps prevent them from getting soggy from the juicy chicken and creamy slaw.

How to Craft Your Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

Creating these delightful sandwiches is incredibly straightforward, largely thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Follow these simple, detailed steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience that results in tender, flavorful chicken and crisp, refreshing coleslaw.

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

This initial stage requires minimal active prep, usually taking about 5-10 minutes. Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the chicken and sauce from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, doing your best to place them in a single layer for more even cooking. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, stir-fry sauce, and the stir-fry seasoning mix until the blend is smooth and well combined. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the chicken. Gently turn the chicken pieces a few times with tongs or a spoon to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a gentle pull from a fork. The beauty of slow cooking is that it infuses the chicken with deep flavor while ensuring it remains wonderfully moist and succulent.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a sturdy cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. At this point, you have a choice regarding your sauce: you can either enjoy it as-is (which will be a thinner, yet incredibly flavorful sauce) or opt to thicken it for a richer, more substantial coating on your chicken. I personally prefer a thicker sauce for sandwiches, as it clings better to the meat and provides a more satisfying bite.

To thicken the sauce: Pour the liquid that remains in the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. In a small cup or bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually pour this cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce visibly thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, pour the rich, glossy sauce back into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in the luscious teriyaki sauce.

If you prefer a lighter sauce or are simply short on time, just return the shredded chicken directly to the slow cooker with the existing juices, stirring to combine. It will still be incredibly delicious!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Coleslaw

While the chicken is cooking or resting, you can prepare your refreshing coleslaw. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy, tangy base for your slaw. Add the coleslaw mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots are a time-saver here) and the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Taste the coleslaw and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference. For best results and to maintain its crispness, prepare the coleslaw closer to serving time. If you need to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate from the shredded vegetables and toss them together just before assembling your sandwiches.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your Sandwiches

Finally, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together! Lightly toast your hamburger buns if desired – this adds a pleasant crunch and helps create a barrier to prevent the buns from becoming soggy from the juicy chicken and creamy slaw. Spoon a generous portion of the warm, shredded teriyaki chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy with the chicken! Top the chicken with a dollop of the fresh, creamy coleslaw. Place the top bun on and serve immediately. These sandwiches are truly easy, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to become a quick and satisfying family favorite!

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions for Ultimate Convenience

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile for meal prepping and freezing. This means you can always have a delicious, homemade option ready to go, perfect for those busy days or unexpected cravings.

Make Ahead Tips:

The cooked teriyaki chicken can be prepared entirely in advance, making your weeknight dinners a breeze. After cooking and shredding, allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature (this is important for food safety) before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it securely in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. When you’re ready to serve, you have a few options: you can enjoy it cold (which is surprisingly tasty and refreshing on a hot day!), or gently reheat it. To reheat, you can place it back in the slow cooker on a low or warm setting until heated through, use a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or even microwave individual portions. Remember to keep the coleslaw dressing separate from the shredded vegetables until just before serving to maintain its crispness and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Freezing Instructions:

This recipe yields a generous amount of chicken, making it perfect for freezing leftovers or preparing a double batch for future meals. Once the shredded teriyaki chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, ensure you press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Label each container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the slow cooker on low until piping hot throughout. Avoid reheating directly from frozen, as this can lead to uneven heating and a less desirable texture. Please note that the coleslaw is best made fresh and is generally not recommended for freezing, as the vegetables can become watery and lose their crispness upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions and Flavorful Variations

While these Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, there are many ways to customize and serve them to suit your preferences, making each meal a unique experience:

• Perfect Pairings: Serve these delicious sandwiches alongside classic favorites like crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette, crunchy potato chips, or even a simple fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded meal. A side of dill pickles or a small bowl of kimchi can add an extra tangy, complementary kick.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes directly to the teriyaki sauce while it cooks. Alternatively, offer these spicy condiments as a topping option at the table, allowing everyone to customize their sandwich to their desired level of spice.
• Bun Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to traditional hamburger buns! Experiment with different types of bread for varied textures and flavors. Brioche buns can add a touch of sweetness and richness, while whole wheat buns offer a heartier, healthier option. You could even serve the teriyaki chicken and coleslaw in soft flour tortillas for teriyaki tacos or in crisp lettuce wraps for a delicious low-carb alternative.
• Coleslaw Creations: Get creative with your coleslaw to enhance its flavor and texture. Incorporate other finely shredded vegetables like bell peppers (red or yellow for color), grated carrots, or even a handful of fresh, chopped cilantro or scallions for a bright, herbaceous note. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil in the slaw dressing can further enhance the Asian-inspired flavors, tying it beautifully to the chicken.
• Garnish Galore: Elevate the presentation and flavor of your sandwiches with simple garnishes. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions (scallions), or a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top can add an extra layer of zest, crunch, and visual appeal.

More Teriyaki Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you find yourself captivated by the delightful, savory-sweet flavors of teriyaki, there’s a whole world of recipes waiting to be discovered. Expand your culinary repertoire and enjoy this versatile sauce in various forms with these other fantastic teriyaki-inspired dishes from our collection:

• Teriyaki Chicken Pizza: A unique and flavorful twist on pizza night!
• Classic Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: A staple that’s perfect over rice.
• Cast Iron Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: For those who love a crispy, seared finish.
• Easy Chicken Teriyaki Wraps: A light and quick meal solution.
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Teriyaki Skewers: Perfect for grilling or entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches, designed to help you achieve perfect results every time:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you absolutely can! However, chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. To prevent this, consider cooking them for a slightly shorter duration (check for tenderness around 3-4 hours on low) or ensure they are fully submerged in the sauce to retain moisture.
• How can I make the sauce spicier? For those who love a bit of heat, adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking will give it a noticeable kick. You can always adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Can I prepare the coleslaw in advance? For optimal crispness and texture, it’s best to prepare the coleslaw dressing separately and toss it with the shredded cabbage and carrots just before you plan to serve the sandwiches. If you must prep ahead, do so no more than 1-2 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated.
• What if my sauce is too thin/thick? If the sauce remains too thin after the chicken has cooked, follow the thickening steps provided in the recipe with the cornstarch slurry. If, after thickening, the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe? While this specific recipe focuses on chicken, you could adapt the teriyaki sauce to create a vegetarian version using shredded jackfruit or firm tofu. However, the cooking times and methods for these alternatives would differ significantly from the chicken recipe.

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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
4-6 hours (average 5 hours)

Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes (average 5 hours 15 minutes)

Servings:
12 sandwiches

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Asian

Print Recipe
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Chicken sandwiches with a twist! These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches feature shredded chicken cooked in an easy teriyaki-inspired sauce, topped with refreshing coleslaw for the ultimate weeknight sandwich.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup stir-fry sauce
• 1 (1 oz) envelope stir-fry seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening sauce
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 4 cups coleslaw mix
• 1/4 red onion sliced thin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Spray a 6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom, ideally in a single layer.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, stir-fry sauce, and stir-fry seasoning mix. Pour this delicious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Turn the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting until the chicken is tender and easily shredded, typically 4-6 hours.
4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into uniform pieces.
5. If you desire a thicker sauce, pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Place over high heat and bring it to a boil. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the boiling liquid, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce has thickened to your preference. Pour the thickened sauce back into the slow cooker.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir everything together well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
7. For the coleslaw, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Add the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) and the thinly sliced red onion. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
8. To serve, spoon a generous amount of the warm teriyaki chicken onto lightly toasted hamburger buns, then top with a dollop of the fresh, creamy coleslaw mix. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Slow cooker cooking times can vary based on the model and size. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

This recipe has been adapted to deliver maximum flavor and simplicity.

Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific brands and product choices. It should be used as a general guide rather than precise dietary advice.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 sandwich

Calories: 357kcal (18%)

Carbohydrates: 25g (8%)

Protein: 31g (62%)

Fat: 14g (22%)

Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)

Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 158mg (53%)

Sodium: 586mg (25%)

Fiber: 2g (8%)

Sugar: 8g (9%)

Keywords:
chicken sandwich, slow cooker chicken, Teriyaki chicken sandwich, easy dinner, weeknight meal, shredded chicken, coleslaw