Description
Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious honey teriyaki sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe balances sweet and savory notes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With minimal hands-on time, you get a rich, glossy, and deeply infused teriyaki glaze that the whole family will enjoy. Customize it gluten-free by using tamari and enjoy versatile serving options from rice to fresh lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and water or chicken broth until smooth and well combined. This teriyaki mixture is the base flavor for the dish.
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Slow cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the sauce. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain steady heat.
- Thicken the sauce: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook uncovered to thicken the sauce until it reaches a glossy, rich consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully plate the chicken, spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce on top, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to prevent greasy sauce and keep flavors clean.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aromatic and flavor results.
- Marinate chicken a few hours before cooking for deeper flavor infusion if time permits.
- Do not overcook chicken to avoid dryness; monitor slow cooker times closely.
- Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir gently to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg