I’ve been making a slow cooker teriyaki chicken on repeat for weeknight dinners — it’s forgiving, hands-off, and the house smells like a takeout counter by the time you eat. This recipe turns pantry staples into glossy, sticky chicken that’s everyday-easy but impressive enough for guests. If you want a simple comfort meal that scales and adapts (and frees up your evening), this is it — and if you prefer a version with slightly different timing or veggies, I’ll cover those options below. For a quick reference to another take on the dish from my site, check this version here: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.

Why you’ll love this dish

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is the kind of recipe that wins on convenience and flavor. You toss a few ingredients into the crock, set it, and come back to tender, well-seasoned chicken coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce. It’s kid-approved, budget-friendly (use bone-in thighs for the best value), and perfect for nights when you want dinner-ready without babysitting a pan.

“This sticky teriyaki chicken became our go-to weeknight meal — the sauce is balanced sweet-salty, and everyone fights over the leftovers.”

Aside from being delicious, it’s flexible: swap chicken parts, make it gluten-free with tamari, or turn it into a sandwich, bowl, or lettuce wrap. It’s ideal for busy families, meal prep, or anyone who wants takeout-style flavor with real control over ingredients.

How this recipe comes together

Quick overview so you know what to expect: sear (optional) → combine sauce → slow-cook low and slow → thicken sauce at the end. The slow cooker breaks down connective tissue in thighs for silky texture; a final cornstarch slurry gives the sauce shine and cling. Plan ~6–7 hours on low for bone-in thighs, 3–4 hours on high for boneless breasts. If you want to keep veggies crisp, add them in the last 60–90 minutes.

What you’ll need

Key ingredients

2.5–3 lb (about 1.2–1.4 kg) chicken thighs (boneless skinless or bone-in skin-on). Thighs stay juicier than breasts.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/3 cup brown sugar or honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar or a mild vinegar + 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1/4 cup water or chicken stock
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry to thicken)
1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for garnish
Optional add-ins: pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, mirin

Notes/substitutions inline: Replace soy sauce with tamari to make the sauce gluten-free. Use honey for a cleaner sweetness or brown sugar for a deeper molasses note. For a lighter option, use boneless skinless chicken breasts but shorten the cook time and watch for dryness.

Directions to follow

(Optional) Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. For deeper flavor, sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side in a hot skillet with a little oil until golden; transfer to slow cooker.
Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup water or stock. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook: cover and cook on low for 5.5–7 hours (bone-in thighs) or 3–4 hours on high (boneless thighs). Use an instant-read thermometer — chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
About 20–30 minutes before serving, remove chicken to a plate and stir the juices. Mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then whisk into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn heat to high and let the sauce thicken for 10–15 minutes.
Return chicken to the thickened sauce and spoon to coat. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, scallions, and sesame seeds.

Cooking notes: If adding vegetables that you want tender (carrots, potatoes), put them in at the start. For crisp-tender peppers or snap peas, add them in the last 45–60 minutes. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the sauce on the stovetop after removing the chicken.

Best ways to enjoy it

This teriyaki chicken is extremely versatile:

Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic bowl.
Toss with udon or lo mein noodles and a handful of steamed broccoli.
Make lettuce wraps with shredded chicken, pickled cucumber, and extra scallions.
Pile into bao buns or slider rolls for a playful handheld.
For meal prep, divide into containers with rice and roasted vegetables; add fresh herbs just before eating.

Garnish ideas: toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for heat.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigeration: Cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Always reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Rewarm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce; microwave works in a pinch but can dry out chicken. If the sauce has thickened too much after cooling, whisk in a little hot water while reheating to get the glossy texture back.

Food safety: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature more than 2 hours. After reheating, consume within 24 hours if not refrigerated.

Helpful cooking tips

Use thighs for forgiving results: they tolerate long, slow cooking and remain moist. If using breasts, watch the cooking time and check temperature earlier.
Searing is optional but adds flavor and color. If short on time, skip it — the sauce will still be delicious.
Keep the lid on: every time you lift it, you add cooking time. Only remove the lid for the final thickening step.
If your sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and thicken on the stovetop; if too thick, thin with a splash of water or stock.
For a glossy finish, stir in 1 tsp of butter or a drop of sesame oil at the end.
For other recipe ideas that use similar techniques and make great weeknight meals, see this slow-cooker chicken cacciatore guide: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Potatoes.

Creative twists

Pineapple Teriyaki: add 1 cup pineapple chunks and 2 tbsp soy sauce reduction for a sweet-tangy Hawaiian vibe.
Spicy: stir in 1–2 tbsp sriracha or sambal and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian swap: use firm tofu, pressed and pan-fried, then simmer in the sauce for 30–45 minutes on low.
Sheet-pan finish: after slow cooking, return chicken to a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes for extra char.
Low-sugar: swap brown sugar for 2–3 tbsp maple syrup and add a splash of lemon to balance sweetness.

For an alternate comfort-soup twist using slow-cooked chicken, this chicken pot pie recipe is a handy reference: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use chicken breasts in this slow cooker teriyaki chicken?
A: Yes, but reduce cook time. Boneless skinless breasts typically need 3–4 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high; check early to avoid dryness and aim for 165°F (74°C).

Q: How do I get a glossy, sticky sauce?
A: Finish the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water), then heat on high until glossy and thick. A short stovetop reduction after removing the chicken also helps intensify flavor and sheen.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check any added ingredients like mirin or pre-made sauces for gluten-containing additives.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes; use a larger slow cooker and ensure ingredients aren’t piled too tightly. Cooking time may increase slightly; check internal temperature for doneness.

Q: How can I prevent the sauce from getting too salty?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste the sauce before thickening. Adjust sweetness with honey/brown sugar or add a squeeze of citrus to balance saltiness.

Conclusion

If you want another perspective or a slightly different take on the technique, these resources are helpful: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – Dinner at the Zoo and Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken | The Girl Who Ate Everything. Both offer variations and timing notes that pair well with the tips above.