Your Weekly Meal Prep Just Got So Much Easier!

Staring at your meal prep containers wondering what to make for the week ahead? We’ve got you covered! This slow cooker chicken teriyaki is about to become your new best friend. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by lunch you’ll have enough delicious, tender chicken to fuel your entire week.

Pack it up with some rice and veggies, and you’ve got restaurant-quality meals ready whenever hunger strikes. Trust us, your future self will thank you!

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Recipe by Salvia

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

This recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, perfect for serving over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:
1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
Cooked white rice
Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Equipment:
Slow cooker (2.5-quart or larger)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
If using chicken breasts, you may want to cut them into slightly smaller pieces than thighs as they can dry out more easily. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
Combine in Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
Cook:
High: Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Low: Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
About 20-30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water (room temperature) to create a slurry.
Add Slurry:
Carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in the slow cooker, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Continue Cooking:
Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
Serve:
Ladle the slow cooker teriyaki chicken and plenty of sauce over hot, fluffy white rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations:

Add Some Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Include Vegetables: Consider adding broccoli florets or sliced carrots to your slow cooker during the final hour of cooking to create a well-rounded, complete meal.
Choosing Your Chicken: While both cuts work beautifully, chicken thighs tend to remain more tender and juicy during the slow cooking process, though chicken breasts are an excellent choice as well.
Meal Planning Made Easy: This dish stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Mixed Vegetable Combinations

These vegetable blends work beautifully together in your slow cooker chicken teriyaki:

Asian Medley – Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snow peas for a classic combination
Colorful Bell Pepper Mix – Red, yellow, and green bell peppers with sliced onions
Garden Blend – Zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh summer taste
Crunchy Combo – Water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and snap peas for added texture
Hearty Mix – Carrots, celery, and mushrooms that can handle the full cooking time
Quick & Easy – Frozen mixed vegetables with corn kernels for convenience
Tender Veggie Blend – Broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans added during the final hour
Sweet & Savory – Baby carrots, baby corn, and bell peppers for natural sweetness

Pro Tip: Add heartier vegetables at the beginning and more delicate ones during the final 30-60 minutes of cooking for the best texture and flavor.