There’s nothing like coming home to the savory aroma of Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken — tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky, homemade sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your table with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
With a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to perfect. No artificial flavors, no alcohol-based ingredients — just a naturally sweet and savory blend that’s family-friendly and absolutely satisfying.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy, rewarding, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
This Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe checks every box: it’s incredibly easy, irresistibly tasty, and incredibly versatile.
The homemade teriyaki sauce perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the salty depth of soy sauce and the warmth of fresh garlic and ginger. Plus, this version skips any alcohol-based ingredients, making it safe and delicious for everyone at your table.
Serve it over rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter take. It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy weekdays, meal prepping, or impressing guests without the stress.
In short, you’ll love this dish for its amazing flavor, healthy ingredients, and the ultimate convenience it brings to your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients — no fancy shopping trips required! Here’s your full list:
- Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- Soy Sauce: ½ cup (use low-sodium for a lighter flavor)
- Honey: ⅓ cup, for natural sweetness
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (a great alcohol-free way to add tang)
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, to deepen the sweetness
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, for that authentic teriyaki richness
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (to thicken the sauce at the end)
- Water: ¼ cup (to mix with cornstarch)
- Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions
These simple ingredients come together to form a luscious, sticky sauce that soaks beautifully into the chicken during slow cooking. Plus, most of these staples are probably already in your pantry!
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Making this dish is incredibly easy — you just mix, pour, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. - Add Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. - Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup water. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to combine. The sauce will thicken as it finishes cooking. - Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side!
This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity — a little prep, and the slow cooker does the rest for you.
You Must Know
Before you dive in, there are a few important things you must know to get the best results with your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken.
First, chicken thighs are highly recommended because they stay juicy and tender even after several hours of cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, just watch the timing carefully to avoid drying them out.
Second, fresh ginger and garlic are essential. While powders can be convenient, using fresh ingredients will elevate your sauce with a richer, more authentic flavor.
Another tip: don’t skip the cornstarch step. It might seem like an extra task, but it’s crucial for achieving that glossy, thick sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of chicken. Stir the slurry in smoothly to avoid any lumps.
Lastly, remember that slow cooker times can vary slightly depending on your machine. Newer models cook hotter and faster. Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
These small but important details will make a big difference in ensuring your dish turns out perfect every time.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Perfecting the cooking process for Honey Teriyaki Chicken is all about patience and a few small techniques.
First, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking! Every time you open it, you release heat and add extra cooking time. Trust the process and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Next, timing matters. If you’re cooking on high, aim for about 2–3 hours. On low, expect around 4–5 hours. The low setting yields more tender, fall-apart chicken, making it ideal when you have the time.
To really deepen the flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for an hour (or overnight) before adding it to the slow cooker — but it’s not required. Even without marinating, the slow cooking ensures the flavors penetrate beautifully.
When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, remove the chicken briefly and whisk the slurry into the sauce directly in the slow cooker. Return the chicken, and let it cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Following these small steps ensures a dish that’s not just good, but truly unforgettable.
Add Your Touch
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Find another easy, crowd-pleasing dinner
Want it spicier? Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. For a tangier twist, squeeze in a bit of fresh lime juice just before serving.
If you’re looking for extra nutrition, throw in some vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas work beautifully, soaking up that delicious sauce without getting overcooked.
Prefer a thicker sauce from the start? Use a touch less water when making the cornstarch slurry, adjusting until you get your ideal texture.
You can even swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts or tenderloins if you prefer a leaner cut. Just remember to reduce cooking time slightly so the meat stays moist.
Adding your personal twist ensures this dish fits perfectly into your meal rotation and keeps things exciting every time you make it.
Storing & Reheating
Properly storing and reheating your Honey Teriyaki Chicken will keep it tasting just as delicious the next day — or even after freezing!
To store, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container with the sauce. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For freezing, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat in the freezer for easy stacking. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between bursts to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it without losing flavor.
Handled properly, your leftovers will taste almost as amazing as the day you first made them — a true gift for busy days!
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Chef’s Helpful Tips
A few expert tips can take your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken from great to unforgettable. Here’s what you need to know:
- Use the right cut: Chicken thighs are best because they stay moist and tender even after hours of cooking. If using breasts, keep an eye on the clock to prevent dryness.
- Balance the sauce: Taste your sauce before pouring it over the chicken. If it feels too salty, add a little more honey. If it’s too sweet, a splash more soy sauce or rice vinegar balances it beautifully.
- Layer your ingredients: Place the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker whenever possible. This helps it cook more evenly and soak up more flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Even though slow cookers are forgiving, leaving chicken too long on high can dry it out. Stick to recommended times for the juiciest result.
- Fresh is best: Use fresh garlic and ginger whenever you can. Their flavors are much brighter and will truly shine through in your finished dish.
Following these simple chef-tested tricks will make your meal feel like it came from a professional kitchen — with none of the stress!
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken first for safety and even cooking. Starting from frozen can cause uneven results in a slow cooker.
Q: Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
A: Yes! You can use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free option. It keeps the rich, savory flavor without altering the dish too much.
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Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker isn’t more than two-thirds full, and add a little extra cooking time if needed.
Q: What sides go best with honey teriyaki chicken?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, stir-fried veggies, or even quinoa pair beautifully. You could also use lettuce cups for a fresh, lighter option.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F. It should shred easily with a fork when fully cooked.
Having quick answers to these common questions ensures your cooking experience stays simple and stress-free!
Conclusion
Our Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken isn’t just another easy dinner — it’s a dependable, flavor-packed meal that brings comfort and excitement to the table.
With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a homemade dish that’s healthier, tastier, and more satisfying than takeout. Plus, knowing you’re serving something alcohol-free, wholesome, and packed with real flavors makes it even better for family gatherings or everyday meals.
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite. Easy to customize, simple to store, and even better as leftovers — there’s truly no downside.
Give this recipe a try, and see just how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality meals into your home kitchen — no stress, no fuss, just real, irresistible flavor. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Recipe
Description
An easy, family-friendly slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey teriyaki sauce — perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water (for slurry)
Optional: sesame seeds, green onions for garnish
Instructions
Whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil together.
Place chicken in slow cooker; pour sauce over top.
Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Mix cornstarch with water, stir into slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; adjust cooking time slightly.
Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour if desired.
Taste sauce before cooking to adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
Perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.