Name: Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490581H27M55S
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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This slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken is a flavorful, sticky-sweet dish that’s packed with bold Asian-inspired taste. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a rich homemade sauce, and it’s perfect served over rice or noodles for an easy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe practically cooks itself in the slow cooker. It makes dinner effortless without sacrificing flavor. The sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet from the honey, savory from the soy sauce, and just a touch tangy. It’s a go-to meal when I want something cozy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Low-sodium soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Water
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

I place the chicken into the slow cooker in a single layer.
In a bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
I pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well.
I cover and cook it on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once the chicken is cooked, I mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken.
I let it cook for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.
I shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
I garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 4–5 hours to cook on low (or 2.5–3 hours on high), plus 15–20 minutes for thickening the sauce.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical twist.
For extra heat, I stir in a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
I like using chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too.
Tossing in some steamed broccoli or snap peas at the end adds a great veggie boost.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave it or warm it on the stovetop over low heat until hot. It also freezes well—perfect for meal prep. Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

I always thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for safety and even cooking.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, I add sriracha or chili flakes to give it a kick if I want more heat.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Definitely. I simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet until fully cooked, then thicken the sauce the same way.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No searing is needed for this recipe, which is what makes it so easy. The slow cooker does all the work.

What’s the best side dish for this chicken?

I love serving it over white or jasmine rice with steamed veggies or even noodles.

Conclusion

Slow cooker honey teriyaki chicken is one of my favorite fuss-free meals. It’s packed with sweet and savory flavor, incredibly tender, and so versatile. I make it on busy days and always end up with happy plates and full bellies.