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Easy Tender Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

slow cooker teriyaki chicken - featured image
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A simple and flavorful slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe that yields tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey (if using), and water until sugar dissolves.
  3. Place chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until chicken is fork-tender and sauce is slightly reduced.
  5. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. Repeat slurry addition if needed.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if desired.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

If sauce tastes too salty, add a splash of water or a teaspoon of honey to balance. Check chicken at 3.5 hours if your slow cooker runs hot to avoid overcooking. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option. For chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 3 hours on low. Add vegetables during last hour for a one-pot meal. Fresh garlic and ginger are recommended over powders for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, family meal, crockpot recipe, chicken thighs, sweet and savory, meal prep

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/