A Sweet, Savory, and Effortless Weeknight Hero
Introduction
There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of tender teriyaki chicken simmering in your slow cooker. This dish is a cozy, glossy bowl of comfort — with sweet honey, rich soy sauce, and a hint of ginger that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something stress-free, this “dump and go” teriyaki chicken makes dinner absolutely effortless.
This is the kind of recipe that wins everyone over — kids, guests, even picky eaters — all thanks to that irresistible sticky glaze and perfectly cooked chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless “dump and go” meal: No prep, no fuss — just toss it all in the slow cooker.
- Family-friendly: Sweet, mild flavors everyone loves, even picky eaters.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients to create a takeout-style dinner at home.
- Flexible cooking time: Works for both short 4-hour or longer 8-hour crockpot schedules.
- Meal-prep ready: Stores beautifully for quick weekday lunches or freezer meals.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–8 hours
- Total Time: About 8 hours
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. - Add to slow cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top. - Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. - Thicken the sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce. - Shred and serve:
Shred the chicken gently with two forks, toss in the thickened teriyaki glaze, and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. - Optional serving ideas:
Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Sprinkle with more sesame seeds and a drizzle of sauce for that restaurant-style look.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months — reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners.