Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Finger-Licking Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich, glossy honey teriyaki sauce promise an explosion of flavors.

Sweet and savory notes dance across your plate, creating an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The slow cooker method ensures each bite melts with incredible tenderness and depth.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the appliance do the heavy lifting.

Serve this delectable dish over steamed rice or crisp vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

For Teriyaki Sauce: .

  • Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami depth and salty foundation for the sauce.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy texture.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and balances overall flavor profile.
  • Water: Helps dilute and blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easy-to-shred meat.
  • Garlic: Adds robust aromatic flavor and enhances chicken's natural taste.
  • Ginger: Introduces warm, zesty undertone and complements Asian-inspired seasoning.
For Sauce Thickening and Garnish:
  • Cornstarch: Creates silky, glossy sauce texture and helps bind ingredients.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and authentic Asian culinary accent.
  • Green Onions: Offers fresh, sharp flavor and vibrant color contrast.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Optional side for nutritional balance and complete meal presentation.

Tools to Cook Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken slowly and evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend the sauce smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Forks: Great for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing garnishes.

Get That Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Rolling

  • Create Flavor Bomb Sauce

Whisk together a magical blend of salty soy, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, zesty garlic, and spicy ginger until perfectly combined.

  • Nestle Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place chicken into the slow cooker and drench it with the flavor-packed teriyaki goodness.

  • Let Magic Happen

Cover and let the slow cooker work its wonder – low and slow for 4-5 hours or quick and hot for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

  • Transform Sauce

Whisk cornstarch with water, then swirl into the cooking liquid. Let it bubble and thicken for a quick 15-20 minutes.

  • Break Down Protein

Grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot, letting it soak up all those incredible juices.

  • Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle with nutty sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles with crisp steamed veggies for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Flavor Ideas for Honey Teriyaki Chicken in a Crockpot

  • For a glossier, richer sauce, whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth thickening.
  • This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the meal.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking for extra heat, adjusting to personal spice preferences.
  • Easily substitute chicken with tofu, turkey, or pork for varied protein options while maintaining the delicious teriyaki flavor profile.

Bringing Honey Teriyaki Chicken to the Table

  • Family Feast Delight: Pile the shredded honey teriyaki chicken over fluffy white rice and create a colorful spread with crisp steamed broccoli and carrots for a complete meal everyone will love.
  • Lunch Prep Champion: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables for a delicious and nutritious work or school lunch that's easy to transport and reheat.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform the tender chicken into a zesty filling for soft tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and exciting dinner variation.
  • Salad Sensation: Toss the cooled chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cucumber slices, and mandarin oranges, drizzled with extra teriyaki sauce for a light and refreshing meal option.

Save It or Serve It: Honey Teriyaki Chicken Tips

  • Keep leftover honey teriyaki chicken in an airtight container and enjoy within 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious.
  • Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.
  • Prepare multiple batches and use in various dishes like salads, wraps, rice bowls, or quick stir-fries. Versatility makes this recipe a weeknight dinner hero for busy households.
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Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken brings Japanese-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table. Tender chicken mingles with sweet and savory sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsps hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Craft a vibrant teriyaki blend by whisking soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and water until smoothly integrated.
  2. Slow Cooking Setup: Nestle chicken pieces into the slow cooker and lavishly drench with the prepared teriyaki mixture, ensuring complete coating.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Secure lid and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, transforming the meat into tender, succulent morsels.
  4. Sauce Enhancement: Create a quick cornstarch slurry, gently fold into the cooking liquid to elevate sauce consistency, continuing to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until luxuriously thickened.
  5. Final Presentation: Delicately deconstruct chicken using two forks directly within the slow cooker, creating luscious shredded pieces infused with teriyaki essence; artfully garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Arrange over steamed jasmine rice or delicate noodles, accompanied by vibrant seasonal vegetables for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more moisture and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
  • Adjust cornstarch mixture carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too thick or too runny; start with small amounts and gradually mix.
  • Check chicken at the minimum cooking time to avoid dry, tough meat; slow cookers can vary in temperature and cooking intensity.
  • Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to release their nutty aroma and add extra dimension to the dish’s overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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