Description
This Savory Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers an effortless way to prepare a flavorful, tender chicken dish perfect for family dinners. Using simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and mirin, the slow-cooked chicken absorbs rich, authentic teriyaki flavors. The sauce is thickened separately to achieve a glossy finish and then combined with the shredded chicken for a satisfying meal that can be served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Teriyaki Marinade
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 0.25 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Thickening Mixture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, and onion powder directly in your slow cooker until well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated by the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a mixer for a quicker process, then set aside.
- Strain and Simmer the Sauce: Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan to remove any solids, then bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce, coating it evenly and deliciously. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving if desired.
Notes
- For juicier results and better leftovers, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Use coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by choosing honey or brown sugar according to your preference.
- Mirin is essential for authentic teriyaki flavor; avoid omitting it.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover sauce can be stored separately and reheated for dipping or drizzling.
