Better than takeout: Homemade sauce means fresher, cleaner flavors.
Family favorite: Sweet and tangy flavor kids and adults both adore.
Perfect for meal prep: Great for leftovers — it reheats beautifully.
🧂 Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Add to the slow cooker:
Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken the sauce:
Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
Combine and serve:
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat in the thickened teriyaki sauce, and let it soak up all that flavor.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
For a healthy twist, try it over cauliflower rice or zoodles.
💡 Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
Use thighs for extra tenderness: Chicken thighs stay moist and juicy during slow cooking.
Adjust sweetness: Use more or less honey or sugar depending on your taste.
Add a little heat: Stir in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Make it a freezer meal: Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag — thaw overnight and cook as directed.
