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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Breasts - Tender, Saucy, and Effortless

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup honey (optional for extra gloss and body; reduce sugar slightly if using)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (optional but adds classic teriyaki depth)
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
  • Cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for serving

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), rice vinegar, mirin, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth.
  2. Load the slow cooker: Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is well coated.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or High for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is just cooked through and tender. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Remove and rest: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred, depending on how you want to serve it.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Turn the slow cooker to High. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until the sauce turns glossy and thick.
  6. Combine: Return sliced or shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat in the teriyaki sauce.
  7. Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots on the side if you like.