Transform your weeknights with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

Life, especially with a bustling family, can often feel like a whirlwind. I vividly remember when I first found out I was pregnant with my third child, realizing I’d soon have three little ones under the age of three! While my husband and I always envisioned having our children close in age, this was certainly a pleasant, albeit slightly overwhelming, surprise. Each day since has been an adventure, a beautiful chaos orchestrated by the needs and rhythms of my three young children. Despite my best intentions and morning plans, the day rarely unfolds exactly as anticipated, leaving me often feeling like I’m constantly catching up.

One universal truth I’ve quickly embraced is that 5 o’clock reliably ushers in the “crazy hour.” It’s that magical time when all three children simultaneously demand attention, the house suddenly needs tidying, and dinner, inexplicably, still needs to appear on the table. In these moments, if I haven’t prepared something incredibly simple or cooked earlier in the day, our meals often default to quick fixes: leftovers, sandwiches, quesadillas, or even the occasional can of soup. These are the meals I can assemble with one hand, while the other cradles a baby or a curious toddler.

It’s precisely for these demanding times that the slow cooker has become an indispensable ally in my kitchen. The ability to load ingredients in the morning and return later to a nearly complete, hot meal is nothing short of a lifesaver. It transforms dinner from a race against the clock into a calm, effortless finale to a busy day, allowing me to focus on my family when they need me most, rather than being chained to the stovetop.

This particular Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe emerged from a desire to utilize some leftover teriyaki glaze I had on hand after making a delightful Teriyaki Chicken Pizza. What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its “dump and go” nature. You simply combine the ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come back to a tender, flavorful meal. If you’re searching for ultimate ease without sacrificing taste, look no further!

We absolutely adore serving this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki over fluffy white rice. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that truly saves the day during that hectic 5 o’clock rush. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a winner that consistently delivers smiles around our dinner table, proving that delicious, home-cooked food doesn’t have to be complicated, even for the busiest of households.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, incredibly delicious dinner that promises to become a staple in your meal rotation, this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is it! Here’s why this recipe will win your heart and save your evenings:

• Minimal Hands-On Time: The beauty of a slow cooker meal lies in its convenience. With just about 10 minutes of prep work in the morning, you can set it and forget it, leaving you free to tackle your day without worrying about dinner.
• Rich, Authentic Flavors: Combining fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of orange marmalade with classic teriyaki sauce creates a complex, sweet-and-savory profile that’s truly irresistible. The slow cooking process allows these flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy chicken.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Teriyaki chicken is a universally loved dish, making it a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Asian-inspired flavors to your family in a comforting and familiar format.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this recipe is a great source of protein. Served with rice and your favorite steamed vegetables, it creates a balanced and nourishing meal.
• Effortless Cleanup: Cooking in a single pot means less mess to deal with afterward. Simply enjoy your meal and then easily clean your slow cooker, giving you more precious time back in your evening.
• Versatile Serving Options: While delicious over rice, this chicken is also fantastic in lettuce wraps, as a filling for tacos, or even tossed with noodles. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about simplifying life without compromising on the joy of a homemade meal. Give it a try, and watch it become your new favorite way to conquer busy weeknights!

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

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Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

6 hours 15 minutes

Total Time:

6 hours 25 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Asian

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This easy recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki comes together with very little hands-on time – while you let the slow cooker do all the work!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce see notes below
• 1 heaping tablespoon orange marmalade
• 2 cloves grated or minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• prepared rice for serving

Instructions

1. Spray a 3 1/2-4 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger, teriyaki glaze, orange marmalade, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
4. Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a plate. Shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the saucepan with the liquid. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Pour the thickened sauce back into the slow cooker and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
6. Serve immediately over prepared rice, optionally garnished with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Recipe Notes:

For the best results, use a thicker teriyaki sauce or glaze, rather than a very thin, liquidy one. My homemade teriyaki sauce offers a wonderful thickness. If opting for a store-bought version, ensure it’s labeled as “teriyaki glaze” to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

*Important Note: Slow cooker cooking times can vary significantly based on the model and size. Always begin checking your chicken for doneness earlier than the suggested time, especially if you know your slow cooker tends to run hot or cook faster.*

Keywords:
slow cooker chicken, teriyaki, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Tips for Slow Cooker Success

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful slow cooker chicken teriyaki every time is easy with a few simple tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Slow Cooker: For even cooking, ensure your chicken breasts aren’t packed too tightly. If you double the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or cooking in batches.
• Chicken Type: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified for a leaner meal, you can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more tender and forgiving result. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
• Shredding vs. Slicing: Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to absorb even more of that delicious sauce, creating a richer texture. However, slicing it into bite-sized pieces works just as well if you prefer a cleaner cut.
• Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch slurry is key to transforming the thin cooking liquid into a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding to prevent lumps, and stir constantly over medium-high heat until it thickens. Don’t skip this step for the best saucy finish!
• Customize Your Spice Level: If you enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce mixture at the beginning of the cooking process.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences and whatever you have on hand. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

Delicious Variations:

• Pineapple Power: For a touch of tropical sweetness and extra juiciness, add 1/2 cup of canned pineapple chunks (drained) to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking for a complete meal packed with vegetables. Alternatively, steam or stir-fry your favorite veggies separately and toss them with the chicken and sauce before serving.
• Spicier Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Taste and adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Citrus Twist: Replace the orange marmalade with a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness, or use a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end for brightness.

Perfect Serving Ideas:

• Classic Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed white or brown rice for a traditional and satisfying meal. Quinoa is also a great, nutritious alternative.
• Noodle Perfection: Toss the teriyaki chicken with cooked ramen noodles, udon, or lo mein noodles for a hearty and comforting noodle dish.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or iceberg). Garnish with shredded carrots and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch.
• Sandwiches or Tacos: Shredded teriyaki chicken makes a fantastic filling for slider buns or soft flour tortillas. Top with coleslaw or pickled vegetables for an added layer of flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Power: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Divide the chicken and rice into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. If the sauce has thickened too much upon reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

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