Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Your Meal Prep Secret Weapon

Meal prep doesn't have to be boring or bland. If you’re tired of the same old grilled chicken, bland salads, or uninspiring leftovers, let me introduce you to your new go-to recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.

Not only does this dish take just 10 minutes to prep, but it also tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the rest of your day while your house fills with the delicious aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy. This teriyaki chicken is rich, flavourful, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Trust me—once you’ve tried it, this recipe will be on heavy rotation in your kitchen!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS TERIYAKI CHICKEN.

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavour: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this dish ready to go in your slow cooker. The garlic, ginger, and honey combine beautifully with the tamari and sesame oil to create a bold, savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce that tastes like something you'd get from your favourite takeout spot—but healthier!

• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe makes enough to serve six people and is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch at the start of the week, then enjoy it over rice, lettuce wraps, or stir-fry for the next few days.

• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes this dish naturally gluten-free, and it's dairy-free, too! This meal is easy for almost anyone to enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.

• Packed with Protein: With 28 grams of protein per serving, this teriyaki chicken is a great way to meet your protein goals without sacrificing flavour.

LET'S BREAKDOWN THE INGREDIENTS.

To create this flavourful dish, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry!

Chicken Thighs:

Chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe. They stay moist and tender after hours of slow cooking, soaking up the teriyaki sauce's delicious flavours. Plus, they’re affordable and readily available! You can also use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.

Garlic & Ginger:

Fresh garlic and ginger are key to creating that bold, authentic teriyaki flavour. If you’re short on time, you can use jarred minced garlic and ginger, but I highly recommend fresh for the best taste!

Honey & Brown Sugar:

A little bit of sweetness balances out the salty and savoury notes of the tamari and sesame oil. I like using honey and brown sugar together—they give the sauce that sticky, slightly caramelised texture that makes teriyaki sauce so irresistible. If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount slightly or use coconut sugar as an alternative.

Tamari (or Soy Sauce):

Tamari is a gluten-free version of soy sauce with a slightly milder taste, but it works perfectly in this recipe. If you don’t need the dish to be gluten-free, you can substitute tamari with regular soy sauce.

Toasted Sesame Oil:

Sesame oil adds that rich, nutty flavour that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes. It brings everything together and gives the sauce a deeper, more complex flavour.

Rice Vinegar:

A little bit of rice vinegar cuts through the richness of the sauce, giving it a nice tang and balancing out the sweetness from the honey and brown sugar.

Cornstarch & Water:

This cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce once the chicken is done cooking. Don’t skip this step—it turns the cooking liquid into a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the shredded chicken.

Sesame Seeds & Shallots:

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your teriyaki chicken with sesame seeds and freshly sliced shallots. Not only does it add a bit of crunch, but it also makes the dish look beautiful and complete!

HOW TO MAKE EASY SLOW-COOKER TERIYAKI CHICKEN.

This teriyaki chicken is super easy to make and perfect for beginners. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time; the slow cooker does the rest. Here’s how to do it:

Serves 6 people

Prep 10 mins Cook 6-7 hrs

680g (1½ lbs) boneless chicken thighs

2 tsp. garlic, minced

2 tsp. ginger, minced

60ml (2 fl oz) honey

3 tbsp. brown sugar

120ml (4 fl oz) tamari (or soy sauce)

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

2 tbsp. rice vinegar

60ml (2 fl oz) cold water

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tbsp. sesame seeds

Sliced shallots to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Prep Your Slow Cooker:
   Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. After slow cooking, they will become so tender that they’ll practically fall apart when you shred them later.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, tamari, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This sweet and savoury mixture will cook down into a thick, flavourful sauce that coats the chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 6-7 hours. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it easily shreds with a fork. (There's no need to check it too often—just let the slow cooker do its magic!)

4. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily, thanks to the long, slow cooking process.

5. Thicken the Sauce:
   Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan. Heat the sauce over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch with 60ml (2 fl oz) cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine & Serve:
   Toss the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Mix everything together so the chicken is evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced shallots, and you’re ready to serve!

WHY THIS RECIPE IS PERFECT FOR MEAL PREP.

If you’re looking for a meal prep-friendly recipe that will keep you fueled and satisfied all week long, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a winner. Here’s why:

• Batch Cooking Made Easy: This recipe makes six servings, which means you can cook once and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week.

• Versatile Options: Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or quinoa, toss it into a salad, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or even use it as a filling for tacos. The possibilities are endless!

• Stores Beautifully: The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months—thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat!

• Healthy and Balanced: Each serving packs 28 grams of protein with just 237 calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to stay on track with their fitness goals.

This Easy Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is everything you want in a meal prep recipe—it’s flavourful, simple, and versatile. Whether you’re prepping your meals for the week or looking for a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, this dish has you covered.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, remember to share your creations with me—tag me on social media @michellemitchellhealthcoach and let me know how you served your teriyaki chicken.