– **Title**: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
– Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended.
2. Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker once it is cooked. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, stir, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.
6. Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice or with steamed vegetables, and garnish with chopped green onions.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: This cut is juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may need less cooking time to stay moist.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but you can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Gluten-free soy sauce can work too, just check the label!
Honey: This sweetens the sauce beautifully. Maple syrup is a great replacement for a vegan alternative or if you’re out of honey.
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have this on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead, but you’ll get a different flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: It brings a nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, any vegetable oil can substitute, but the dish won’t have that signature taste.
Garlic and Ginger: These add a fresh kick to the sauce. I love using fresh ingredients when possible, but you can also use the jarred versions if you’re short on time.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce for Teriyaki Chicken?
To get that perfectly thick sauce everyone loves, cornstarch is your best friend. It takes just a few minutes to prepare!
- About 30 minutes before you finish cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir this mixture into the cooking sauce in your slow cooker. This will give it a nice glaze.
- Let it cook on high for the last 30 minutes for the sauce to thicken properly.
This simple technique really elevates the dish, making it feel more restaurant-quality at home!
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Extras:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, plan on a total time of about 6-7 hours if you’re cooking on low, which allows you to just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be your delicious teriyaki sauce!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated nicely. This will help the chicken absorb all that wonderful flavor.
3. Add Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced red bell pepper and mushrooms to the slow cooker. They’ll add great texture and flavor to your dish!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it cook for about 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work in about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, here’s a quick trick! About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, and let it thicken while you prepare to serve your meal.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix everything together well so that the chicken is combined with the veggies and sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the teriyaki chicken over warm cooked rice. For a lovely touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your wonderful homemade teriyaki chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. Just be aware that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time if you’re cooking on high—aim for about 2-3 hours for best results.
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, the dish will still be delicious. Additionally, you might sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra flavor boost!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
