Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki: A Flavorful, Effortless Meal for Any Day of the Week

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and water until well combined. This sauce will infuse the chicken with all those delicious teriyaki flavors.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it’s fully coated.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for about 10-15 minutes.
Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the glossy teriyaki glaze.
Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the chicken teriyaki over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a perfect finishing touch.

Go for Thighs if You Like Juicier Meat: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs offer a richer flavor and stay moist throughout the slow cooking process.
Add Veggies for a Complete Meal: For an all-in-one dish, toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce and add a pop of color and nutrition.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. For a bolder flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos for a celiac-friendly version.