Hearty Teriyaki Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Get ready to savor the flavors of this Hearty Teriyaki Chicken, a dish that combines the sweet and savory notes of a classic Asian favorite. Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and full of flavor.

Ingredients for Hearty Teriyaki Chicken

The star of this recipe is the chicken thighs, which stay moist and tender during cooking. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami base, while the brown sugar and honey add sweetness to balance it out. Rice vinegar brings a touch of acidity, and sesame oil enhances the dish with its nutty aroma. Garlic and ginger are essential for that classic teriyaki flavor profile. Lastly, cornstarch thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, while sesame seeds and green onions add a fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use an additional tablespoon of cornstarch in your slurry.
  • Double the sauce ingredients if you like your dish extra saucy!

Serving Suggestions

This teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For a complete meal, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. A side of pickled ginger can also add a delightful contrast to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be aware that breasts may not be as juicy as thighs. Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Hearty Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chicken thighs in the slow cooker. No need to pre-cook or brown them; just let the slow cooker do its magic. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Pour this fragrant mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a good coating.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work for 4-5 hours. The goal is to achieve tender, easily shred-able chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate. Now, it's time to thicken the sauce. Mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce still in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for another 15 minutes until it thickens.

While the sauce is thickening, shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring well so each piece is thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that final touch of flavor and color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless preparation with big flavor payoff.
  • Slow cooker magic — set it and forget it.
  • Rich, tangy sauce clings to tender chicken.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5. Remove chicken and transfer to a plate, leaving the sauce in the slow cooker.
6. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to form a slurry.
7. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
8. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the thickened sauce.
9. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!