Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki made with juicy chicken breasts and a homemade teriyaki sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful, sticky-sweet dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Serve with rice or veggies for a delicious, no-fuss dinner the whole family will love!

A Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Recipe for Busy Weeknights

If you love takeout but want something homemade and easy to make, this slow cooker chicken teriyaki is the perfect meal! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish packed with flavor and covered in a rich, sticky sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious, tender meal that tastes just as good—if not better—than your favorite restaurant version.

This recipe is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! Just toss boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, mix up a quick homemade teriyaki sauce, and let everything simmer to perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and savory glaze that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the easy prep makes this a go-to dish for anyone looking for a stress-free dinner!

Why you’ll love Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki:

Slow cooker simplicity: An easy set-it-and-forget-it recipe, ideal for hectic schedules.
Homemade deliciousness: Making your teriyaki sauce means a fresher, custom flavor that can’t be beaten.
Family favorite: Juicy chicken breasts and a rich sauce make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.

ANOTHER QUICK RECIPE

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Want a quicker version of Teriyaki Chicken? Check out this skillet recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or leftover rice!

Teriyaki chicken rice bowls recipe

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – the star of the dish, providing lean protein that’ll be juicy and tender.
2 tsp minced garlic – adds a punch of flavor that’s both sharp and slightly sweet.
2 tsp ground ginger – brings a warm, spicy bite that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dish.
1/4 cup honey – for that sticky, sweet base that characterizes teriyaki sauce.
3 tbsp brown sugar – deepens the sauce’s flavor with a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
1/2 cup soy sauce – the salty backbone of the sauce that balances the dish’s sweetness. Opt for low sodium to control salt intake.
2 tsp sesame oil – adds a nutty flavor, enhancing the dish’s depth.
2 tbsp rice vinegar – introduces a slight tang to brighten up the sauce.
1/4 cup cold water – helps dilute the sauce and assists in mixing the cornstarch.
2 tbsp cornstarch – thickens the sauce, giving it that signature syrupy consistency.
1 tbsp sesame seeds – adds a slight crunch and decorative touch to the finished dish.
3 tbsp chopped scallions – provides a pop of color and a fresh, oniony bite.

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Cooking Instructions

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an 8-quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients (garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar) until well combined.
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks.
Carefully pour the remaining teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over it. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Alternatively, you can toss the chicken directly in the saucepan with the sauce before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Enjoy over rice or with your favorite vegetables!

Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

One of the best things about this great recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to switch up the protein, add more veggies, or save time, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

With so many ways to mix it up, this slow cooker chicken teriyaki will never get boring!

Try Chicken Thighs – If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option. They stay extra juicy and add even more flavor. The cooking time stays the same, so just swap them in and enjoy!
Add Veggies – For extra color and crunch, toss in sliced bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll stay tender-crisp instead of getting too soft.
Save Time with Bottled Sauce – In a rush? Use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of making your own. It’s a great option for busy days when you need a shortcut. Just pour it over the chicken and cook as directed.
Make a Double Batch – Want leftovers? This recipe is perfect for easy meal prep. Just double the batch and store extra portions in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches and dinners.
Switch Up the Grains – Serve your teriyaki chicken over brown rice for a healthier option or stick with white rice for a classic take. You can also try quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something different.

Storage and Reheating

This slow cooker chicken teriyaki is perfect for leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy it later.

Refrigerator Storage – Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep any extra sauce in a separate container to add moisture when reheating.
Freezer Storage – For longer storage, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. If you’re making a double batch, portion it into smaller servings for easy reheating later.
Reheating on the Stove – To reheat, warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave – Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a little sauce if needed for extra moisture.
Reheating from Frozen – If frozen, let the chicken thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. In a pinch, you can heat it straight from the freezer on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or sauce as it warms up.

A Delicious and Easy Meal for Any Night

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners. With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, every bite is packed with savory flavors that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s one of those easy recipes that tastes just as good the next day, making leftovers a breeze. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a stress-free dinner, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with rice, veggies, or even noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce, and enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. Give it a try, and make your busy weeknights a little easier—and a lot more delicious!

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