Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken: Easy, Flavorful Dinner

Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze, so don’t skip it even though it’s a small amount.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth with its molasses undertones, balancing the savory sauce beautifully.
Honey: The star here—it brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky finish.
Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami richness to the teriyaki base.
Vinegar (Rice Wine or Apple Cider): I prefer rice wine vinegar for a milder tang, but apple cider works if that’s what you have.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic kick that packed sauces need.
Fresh Ginger (or Ground Ginger): Adds warmth and subtle spice—never skip this if you want authentic flavor!
Onion (Chopped): Sweetness and texture build as it cooks slowly with the chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The best cut for shredding and soaking up flavor in the slow cooker.
Optional Garnishes – Sesame Seeds and Chopped Scallion: These add a fresh crunch and pop of color when serving, trust me, don’t skip them!

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s so forgiving that you can make subtle swaps or add extra veggies for a quick one-pot meal that’s still packed with flavor.

Add Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas halfway through cooking for a vibrant crunch and freshness.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha amps things up nicely.
Use Chicken Thighs: For more juicy, tender meat, boneless skinless thighs work wonderfully—they just need a little more cooking time.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari to cater to gluten sensitivities without missing the savory notes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth—this little step prevents lumps later. Pour this mixture into a saucepan along with brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Keep the heat on low-medium and whisk often. This slow simmer allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble for a full minute before turning off the heat—this ensures it sets just right later in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place your chopped onions at the bottom of your slow cooker, then nestle in the chicken breasts on top. Pour the warm teriyaki sauce right over the chicken—this coats it wonderfully and guarantees each bite is packed with that sweet-savory magic. Resist the urge to stir too much now; letting the sauce pool around the chicken helps it cook evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. The longer, slower cook on low gives the chicken extra juicy tenderness, but both work great depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily pulls apart with two forks—tender and infused with that rich sauce.

Step 4: Shred and Finish Cooking

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks right in the pot or on a plate. Pop the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to make sure it soaks up all the juices. Let it cook another hour on low, stirring once or twice—it thickens the sauce on the chicken and boosts flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top. I love how this adds a bit of crunch and a fresh pop that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or stuff it into sandwiches—however you eat it, you’re in for a treat!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: I’ve found that fresh ingredients elevate the flavor way more than powders or dried options.
Don’t Skip the Shredding Step: Shredding ensures every bite is coated in sauce, making the chicken more flavorful and easier to eat.
Reserve Some Sauce for Thickening: When reheating, add a small splash of reserved sauce or a cornstarch slurry if it gets too thin.
Slow Cooker Size Matters: I use a 4-quart slow cooker so the chicken isn’t swimming in sauce; too big a slow cooker dilutes flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is plain white rice with small, separated grains, and the top layer is pieces of chicken covered in a shiny, dark brown sauce. The chicken pieces are thick and slightly curved, coated evenly with the sauce, which has sesame seeds scattered throughout. Small green onion pieces are sprinkled on top, adding bright green color and texture. A spoon with a teal handle and silver decorative part sticks out of the bowl, which sits on a black round surface over a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go for toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top—it makes the dish look prettier and adds that fresh crunch and nuttiness I crave. Occasionally, I add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that pairs beautifully with the honey.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa because they soak up that luscious teriyaki sauce so well. For veggies, I like quick-steamed broccoli or stir-fried snap peas—they add color, nutrition, and just enough crunch without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I sometimes turn this into a build-your-own bowl bar with rice, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and extra scallions on the side. It’s fun and lets everyone customize their plate. Or stuffing it into slider buns with a crisp pickle on top makes for irresistible party appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it stays delicious for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and it’s ready to enjoy without losing any sauciness.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring as I go to keep the sauce thick and prevent drying out. If it’s thickened too much after refrigeration, adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen it up while keeping flavor intact. Microwave reheats fine too—just cover to keep moisture locked in.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer more tender, juicy meat. They may require slightly less cooking time (check for doneness after 4 hours on low), but they soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Do I have to cook the teriyaki sauce on the stove before adding to the slow cooker?

While it’s not absolutely necessary, simmering the sauce first helps dissolve the cornstarch and properly thicken it. It also blends the flavors better, so I definitely recommend taking this step for the best results.
What’s the best way to serve this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken?

I love serving it over steamed rice or quinoa with steamed veggies on the side. It also works wonderfully as filling for sandwiches or wraps, making it versatile for lunches or dinner.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and store in the fridge. Then just set it to cook the next day. It’s a great time-saver for busy mornings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check your vinegar choice to be sure it doesn’t contain any additives.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen—not only for its irresistible flavors but also for how easy it makes dinner time without sacrificing taste. I hope when you try it, you find the same joy I do in coming home to a perfect, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go and see how effortlessly delicious slow cooker meals can be!

I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe because it feels like magic when you come home to a kitchen filled with the sweet-savory aroma of homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s one of those recipes that seems fancy but is so incredibly simple to throw together, especially on busy days when you want dinner ready without fussing over the stove. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on other things while it simmers away beautifully.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how tender and flavorful the chicken turns out every single time. You’ll find that the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar and salty soy sauce, creating such a comforting, well-rounded dish. Whether you’re serving it on rice, stuffing it in sandwiches, or just digging right in, it’s a winner that your family will ask for again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooking: Just toss in the ingredients and let it do its thing—all the flavor develops while you go about your day.
Balanced Sweet & Savory: The honey and vinegar create a perfectly tangy glaze that never tastes too sweet or too salty.
Versatile Meal Options: Whether served over rice, quinoa, or sandwich bread, this chicken adapts to your mood.
Great for Meal Prep: Holds well in the fridge, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

The image shows a close-up view of shredded pieces of chicken covered in a thick, glossy brown sauce, piled in a white bowl. The chicken layers vary in size and texture, some pieces smooth while others show fibrous strands. The dish is topped with small white sesame seeds evenly sprinkled across the surface. A silver spoon is lifting a portion of the chicken from the bowl, showing the rich sauce coating the chicken pieces. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe come together to build layers of flavor, from the zing of fresh ginger to the richness of brown sugar and honey. I always suggest using real honey and fresh garlic to get the best taste, but the rest are pretty pantry-friendly too.

Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze, so don’t skip it even though it’s a small amount.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth with its molasses undertones, balancing the savory sauce beautifully.
Honey: The star here—it brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky finish.
Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami richness to the teriyaki base.
Vinegar (Rice Wine or Apple Cider): I prefer rice wine vinegar for a milder tang, but apple cider works if that’s what you have.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic kick that packed sauces need.
Fresh Ginger (or Ground Ginger): Adds warmth and subtle spice—never skip this if you want authentic flavor!
Onion (Chopped): Sweetness and texture build as it cooks slowly with the chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The best cut for shredding and soaking up flavor in the slow cooker.
Optional Garnishes – Sesame Seeds and Chopped Scallion: These add a fresh crunch and pop of color when serving, trust me, don’t skip them!

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

Add Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas halfway through cooking for a vibrant crunch and freshness.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha amps things up nicely.
Use Chicken Thighs: For more juicy, tender meat, boneless skinless thighs work wonderfully—they just need a little more cooking time.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari to cater to gluten sensitivities without missing the savory notes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe