Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful meal that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker allows for tender chicken that absorbs the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce as it cooks. This dish is not only tasty but also convenient, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the wonderful aroma will fill your home while it cooks. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with a hearty, homemade meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water, then stir it back into the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken is simple and versatile. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles for a comforting meal. Add some steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete dish. Garnishing with sliced green onions adds a fresh touch and a pop of color to your plate.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
- Feel free to increase the garlic and ginger for a more intense flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. This is an excellent way to get more nutrition and flavor into your meal. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They may cook a bit faster, so check them for doneness after about 2.5 hours on high or 5 hours on low.
2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a pot on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. Make sure to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
A delightful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring a sweet and savory honey teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 360 minutes or on high for 180 minutes.
- For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water, then stir it back into the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.
Notes
Consider marinating chicken in the sauce for added flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg