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- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds - Cooked rice When I make this teriyaki chicken, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender as they cook. The low-sodium soy sauce adds flavor without making the dish too salty. Honey brings a nice sweetness, which balances the salty soy. For an extra zing, I add rice vinegar and sesame oil. These ingredients give depth to the sauce. Minced garlic and grated ginger add a fresh, warm flavor that makes the dish special. Don’t forget the pineapple! It adds sweetness and a tropical touch. When serving, I like to top the chicken with green onions and sesame seeds. This makes the dish look beautiful and adds a nice crunch. Serve it over cooked rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. You’ll have a tasty meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together key ingredients: 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Mix well until everything blends smoothly. This marinade gives the dish its sweet and savory flavor. Now it's time to layer the chicken. Take 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is key for great taste. Next, gently add 1 cup of pineapple chunks on top. The pineapple adds a nice sweetness and brightness to the dish. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cooking on low is best for tender chicken. About 30 minutes before serving, thicken the sauce. Scoop out 1 cup of the sauce and mix it with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and stir gently. This will make your sauce rich and thick. When the cooking time is up, shred the chicken with two forks. Mix it well with the sauce before serving. Enjoy your savory slow cooker teriyaki chicken! To make sure your chicken turns out tender, start with quality chicken thighs. Choose boneless and skinless thighs for the best results. These have more fat than chicken breast, making them juicy. When slow cooking, the low heat helps break down the meat, making it soft and flavorful. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Always check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F. To boost the flavor of your teriyaki chicken, consider adding spices and fresh ingredients. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat or a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness. You can also mix in chopped bell peppers or snap peas for a fresh crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a fresh twist at the end. Don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving and adjust as needed! Many people make mistakes when preparing slow cooker meals. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. If there is too much chicken, it won’t cook evenly. Also, don’t skip the cornstarch-thickening step. This will give your sauce the right texture. Lastly, resist the urge to lift the lid too often. Each time you open it, heat escapes, and this can affect cooking time. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Pineapple Choice: Fresh pineapple will give a brighter flavor and texture compared to canned. If using canned, choose pineapple in juice rather than syrup for a lighter taste. Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch mixture or let the sauce reduce longer in the slow cooker after adding the cornstarch mixture. Serving Suggestions: This teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Chicken thighs are great, but you can try other meats. Pork tenderloin works well too. If you want a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes and marinate it like chicken. You can also use tempeh for a nutty flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if you use a different protein. If you need a gluten-free dish, it's easy to modify. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. This keeps the taste while avoiding gluten. Make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free. Honey and rice vinegar are naturally gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. You can toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Slice them thin so they cook well. Add these veggies in the last hour of cooking. This keeps them crisp and tasty. Broccoli is another great choice. Just chop it into small florets. Enjoy a colorful and healthy meal! To store leftovers, let the teriyaki chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove or microwave. If you want to save more for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for best results. This keeps the flavors intact. To keep your teriyaki chicken fresh, follow these best practices. Always store it in airtight containers. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it away. Proper storage helps maintain its great taste and texture. Enjoy your meal without worry! Yes, you can cook this dish on high. If you set your slow cooker to high, cook the chicken for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will be tender, but the flavors may not meld as well. Cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours allows the sauce to soak into the meat more. To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 3 pounds of chicken thighs and increase the sauce ingredients proportionally. Make sure your slow cooker can hold the extra food. You may need to cook it a bit longer to ensure even cooking. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some suggestions: - Steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch. - Fried rice complements the teriyaki flavor. - A fresh green salad balances the meal. - Roasted vegetables bring extra color and taste. In this blog post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken thighs, soy sauce, and honey. We discussed step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking. I shared tips for tender chicken and avoiding common mistakes. You also discovered tasty variations and how to store leftovers safely. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own! Enjoy your cooking journey!

Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

A delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
  • Gently add the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken and marinade.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it on the low setting for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, scoop out 1 cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and mix it with the cornstarch-water mixture. Return this mixture to the slow cooker, stirring gently.
  • Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the sauce.
  • Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Serve with cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, slow cooker, teriyaki