I first made this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken on a rainy weeknight when I wanted something hands-off but flavorful. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a simple garlic-ginger-soy-honey sauce—then shredded and spooned over rice—this recipe is the kind of comfort food that’s deceptively easy. It’s perfect when you want dinner ready with minimal fuss and big flavor at the end of the day. If you like other easy slow-cooker chicken dinners, try this slow cooker chicken cacciatore with potatoes for another crowd-pleaser.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe hits several sweet spots: it’s hands-off, wallet-friendly, kid-approved, and relies on pantry staples. The slow cooker extracts flavor from garlic and ginger and allows the soy-honey mixture to gently infuse the chicken, leaving you with moist, shreddable meat and a glossy sauce — no last-minute babysitting required. Make it for busy weeknights, casual meal prep, or when you want a quick assembly for guests.

“Simple ingredients, big payoff—this teriyaki chicken disappears faster than I can set the table.”

If you enjoy cozy casseroles and comfort-from-the-slow-cooker, pair this recipe’s flavors with something creamy like a slow cooker chicken pot pie for a full comfort-food rotation.

How this recipe comes together

Step-by-step overview:

Lay chicken breasts in the slow cooker as the base.
Pour a mixture of minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey over the top.
Let the machine do the work: low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.
Shred the cooked chicken in the pot so it soaks up the sauce.
Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

This quick overview tells you: very little prep, long gentle cooking, then shredding and serving. No complicated techniques—just time and low heat to develop flavor.

What you’ll need

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb)
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
1–2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you watch salt)
1/3 cup honey (maple syrup or brown sugar can be substitutions)
Optional: 1–2 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin for brightness
Optional thickeners: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry) to thicken sauce after cooking

Notes: You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat (thighs stay moister), and use tamari to make it wheat-free.

Step-by-step instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer so they cook evenly.
In a small bowl combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey. If you like a little tang, stir in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or mirin.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well so the meat soaks up the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, ladle a cup of the cooking liquid into a saucepan, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water), simmer until thickened, and return it to the chicken.
Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve suggestions:

Over steamed white or brown rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
In lettuce wraps for a lighter meal with crunch.
As a filling for tacos or bao buns with quick-pickled cucumbers.
Tossed with roasted vegetables and soba noodles for a more substantial bowl.

Want a citrus contrast? Try finishing with a squeeze of lime. For a bright plate, pair it with steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad. For inspiration on complementary slow-cooker chicken meals, check this slow cooker lemon herb chicken with fluffy rice.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently rewarm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in a covered dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot. Always heat until steaming and ensure poultry reaches 165°F for safety.
Food safety: Don’t leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate.

Pro chef tips

Keep the chicken moist: don’t overcook; check at the lower end of the time range if your breasts are small.
Even cooking: use similar-sized breasts or cut larger ones in half so everything finishes at the same time.
Better sauce texture: if you want a glossy, clingy sauce, thicken with a cornstarch slurry after shredding, or remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before returning the meat.
Amp up flavor: add a splash of sesame oil at the end or a tablespoon of sriracha for heat.
Save time: mince garlic and grate ginger in advance and store in the fridge for quick assembly.

Flavor swaps

Hoisin Teriyaki: swap half the soy sauce for hoisin and add a teaspoon of rice vinegar for depth.
Citrus Teriyaki: add orange juice (1/4 cup) to the sauce for a bright, sticky finish.
Low-sodium: use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt; add umami with a small spoonful of miso paste if desired.
Paleo/Gluten-free: use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap honey for maple syrup if needed.
Vegetarian option: use shredded jackfruit or firm tofu, and simmer gently in the teriyaki sauce until flavors meld.

Common questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. Reduce cooking time slightly if you’re using smaller thighs.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
A: After removing the chicken, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat to reduce by about half until it’s syrupy. Then toss the shredded chicken back in.

Q: What’s the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?
A: The USDA recommends 165°F (74°C) for all poultry. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but ensure your slow cooker isn’t stuffed; the meat should be in a single layer or slightly overlapping to cook evenly. Cook time may increase slightly.

Conclusion

If you want a dependable, hands-off weeknight favorite, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken delivers tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. For another take on slow-cooker teriyaki with similar technique and pantry-friendly ingredients, see this detailed version at Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – Dinner at the Zoo, or compare flavor notes and serving ideas at Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken | The Girl Who Ate Everything.