Homemade Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Your slow cooker does all the work!
• Better than takeout: Homemade sauce means fresher, cleaner flavors.
• Family favorite: Sweet and tangy flavor kids and adults both adore.
• Perfect for meal prep: Great for leftovers — it reheats beautifully.

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add to the slow cooker:
   Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cook low and slow:
   Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Thicken the sauce:
   Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
5. Combine and serve:
   Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat in the thickened teriyaki sauce, and let it soak up all that flavor.
6. Garnish:
   Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
• Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
• For a healthy twist, try it over cauliflower rice or zoodles.

💡 Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Use thighs for extra tenderness: Chicken thighs stay moist and juicy during slow cooking.
• Adjust sweetness: Use more or less honey or sugar depending on your taste.
• Add a little heat: Stir in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make it a freezer meal: Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag — thaw overnight and cook as directed.
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