Easy Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feels like a restaurant favorite but requires barely any effort, this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered low and slow in a luscious honey teriyaki glaze that’s both sweet and savory — all made right in your slow cooker while you get on with your day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to meal prep for the week, this recipe is incredibly simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for the whole family.

Why This Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Is a Winner

This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. The prep time is minimal—just whisking a few simple ingredients together and letting your slow cooker work its magic. The homemade teriyaki sauce is fresh and balanced, hitting that perfect sweet-savory spot with honey, soy sauce, and a little zing from fresh ginger and garlic.

Another bonus? It’s super versatile. You can use chicken thighs or breasts, add your favorite veggies, or even swap in tofu or beef if you want to mix things up. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making this an excellent choice for meal prep too.

Ingredients

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To make this honey teriyaki chicken, you’ll need:

• 1 kg (about 2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (helps keep the saltiness in check)
• ½ cup honey (for that perfect natural sweetness)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (adds a subtle tang)
• ¼ cup water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (gives a nice warming kick)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but highly recommended for that nutty aroma)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
• For garnish and serving: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables, cooked white or brown rice

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This homemade sauce is where the magic happens — fresh, balanced, and oh-so-satisfying.

Add Chicken to Slow Cooker

Place your chicken pieces in the slow cooker. I prefer thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work well too if you keep an eye on cooking time.

Pour the Sauce Over

Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a nice coating of that flavorful mixture.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be easy to shred with two forks.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it gently with forks. This step ensures every bite is coated with sauce and easy to serve.

Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker sauce. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, rich glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Combine and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, toss it in the thickened sauce, and give it a good mix. Serve it piping hot over steamed rice with your favorite vegetables. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crunchy finish.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Choose the right cut: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy longer than breasts, which can dry out if overcooked.
• Fresh ingredients matter: Fresh garlic and ginger really elevate the flavor, so avoid substitutes if possible.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey slightly. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more!
• Add veggies late: For vibrant and crisp veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli, add them during the last hour of cooking to avoid mushiness.
• Make it spicy: Craving heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Pineapple twist: Toss in pineapple chunks in the last hour for a tropical sweet surprise that pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky.

Serving Suggestions

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This honey teriyaki chicken is a complete meal on its own when served with steamed rice and veggies, but here are some other delicious ideas to mix things up:

• Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Wrap the shredded chicken in warm tortillas or lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cucumbers for a fresh teriyaki wrap.
• Use as a filling for bao buns or sandwiches with crisp slaw.
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add extra cooking time and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through to 165°F.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and lets you control the flavors.

Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes, simmer chicken in the sauce over medium heat until cooked, then thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry as directed.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce. Let it simmer until thickened.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines effortless cooking with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy this recipe is and how impressive it tastes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, great for meal prep, and ideal for feeding a hungry family. Once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Enjoy every sweet and savory bite, an teriyaki-chicken/

d don’t forget to garnish generously for that extra pop of flavor and texture. Happy cooking!