Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep Easy 5-Step Recipe
A fuss-free slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe perfect for meal prep, delivering juicy chicken thighs infused with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights and freezes well for convenient lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2.5 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless preferred)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if using bone-in thighs, leaving skin on if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or chicken broth.
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Set slow cooker to high, stir slurry into sauce, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Stir in toasted sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
If sauce tastes too salty, add more honey or a splash of water to balance. Avoid overcooking chicken to prevent dryness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and brown sugar with coconut sugar. Cornstarch slurry should be added near the end to avoid gluey sauce. Can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking. For a spicy twist, add red chili flakes or Sriracha. Leftovers taste better after a day in the fridge. Freezes well up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 ounc
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki chicken, meal prep, easy recipe, chicken thighs, homemade teriyaki sauce, healthy dinner, freezer friendly