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Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Tender slow cooker teriyaki chicken made with a simple homemade sauce and finished with sesame seeds and green onions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
For the teriyaki sauce
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
For thickening and finishing
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker 4- to 6-quart
  • 1 mixing bowl for sauce
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 small bowl for cornstarch slurry
  • 2 forks for shredding chicken

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until combined.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl and lightly shred it with two forks, or cut it into chunky bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker.
  6. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat. Cover and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Taste and adjust if needed, then top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the cornstarch slurry or the sauce will stay thin. Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but thighs stay juicier. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Nutrition is estimated per serving.