Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

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The Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

  • Servings: 4–6 people

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (as seen in your photo)

  • The 5-Ingredient Sauce Mix:

    1. ½ cup Low-sodium soy sauce

    2. ½ cup Honey (or ¼ cup honey + ¼ cup brown sugar for deeper color)

    3. ¼ cup Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

    4. 2 cloves Garlic, minced

    5. 1 tsp Fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

  • The Thickener: 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)

  • Garnish: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Layer: Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Whisk & Pour: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken.

  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and registers 165°F ($74°C$).

  4. Thicken: Remove the chicken. Pour the liquid into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.

  5. Serve: Shred the chicken or leave the thighs whole. Toss with the thickened sauce and serve over hot rice.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the slurry: The liquid in the slow cooker will be thin. Simmering it with cornstarch on the stove is the secret to that “sticky” takeout texture.

  • Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs are preferred for slow cooking because they stay juicy. If using breasts, reduce the cook time by 1 hour to prevent them from becoming “stringy.”

  • Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to add broccoli or snap peas, toss them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay crisp.

Nutritional Info & Benefits

  • Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving (chicken + sauce).

  • Protein: High protein (approx. 35g) for muscle repair.

  • Benefits: Using honey instead of refined white sugar provides a more natural sweetness and antioxidants. Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory properties and immune support.

Q&A

  • Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but it may release more water, making the sauce thinner. Increase the cornstarch slightly if needed.

  • Is this gluten-free? Only if you use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce (which contains wheat).

  • How long does it last? It’s great for meal prep! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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