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Delicious slow cooker chicken teriyaki served on a plate with vegetables.

Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

A flavorful and easy slow cooker chicken teriyaki recipe that is perfect for busy nights, combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 medium Onion, sliced (Can substitute with shallots or leeks)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh is best)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced (Fresh brings warmth and spice)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup Sake (Optional, leave out for non-alcoholic)
  • 1/4 cup Mirin (Optional, can swap with sugar)
  • 1/4 cup Sugar (Brown sugar or honey work well)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Optional)
  • 1 cup Water or Chicken Broth (Broth for added flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Mix with water to avoid clumps)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil (Optional, for a nutty flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (For a crunchy finish)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions, sliced (Optional, for freshness)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger on top.
  3. Pour in the soy sauce, sake (if using), mirin (if using), sugar, rice vinegar (if using), and water or chicken broth.
Cooking
  1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  2. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
  4. Turn the slow cooker to high and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, mix well, and serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions if desired.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce and ginger mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or let it reduce longer in the slow cooker. Don't shy away from adding your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
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