Indulge in the delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors with this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken. Crafted with care and precision, this recipe is a celebration of refined comfort food and sophisticated indulgence, inviting you to savor the graceful, flavorful, and sensory-rich experience that Chef Crenn’s CrennRecipes.com is renowned for.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken
Slow-cooked to perfection, this Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken is a true testament to the art of cozy, comfort-driven cuisine. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, the irresistible sweetness of honey, and the depth of garlic and teriyaki flavors creates a gourmet experience that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Prepare to be enveloped in the warm, comforting aromas that fill your kitchen, and indulge in the elegant, refined flavors that make this dish a true culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
This delectable Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken calls for a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients that work in harmonious balance. From the tender, juicy chicken to the robust garlic and the irresistible honey, every element has been thoughtfully chosen to deliver a truly decadent and refined dining experience.
- 3-4 lbs – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup – Honey
- 1/2 cup – Teriyaki sauce
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Toasted sesame oil
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — a leaner option that maintains the moist, tender texture.
- Honey: Maple syrup — a rich, caramelized sweetener that complements the savory flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with the aromatic allure of garlic, the captivating sweetness of honey, and the depth of teriyaki flavor that will leave your senses utterly enchanted.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by arranging the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are in a single layer. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. Pour the honey-garlic-teriyaki mixture over the chicken, making sure to evenly coat each piece.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, ensuring it is well-coated in the delectable sauce. Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables, allowing the luscious sauce to drizzle over the entire dish.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant green hues and the nutty aroma will elevate the presentation and complement the rich, caramelized flavors of this slow-cooked masterpiece.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Pork Tenderloin: Swap the chicken for tender, juicy pork tenderloin for an even more indulgent and gourmet experience.
- Aromatic Spices: Elevate the dish by adding a pinch of ground ginger, a dash of ground coriander, or a sprinkle of five-spice powder to the sauce mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, basil, or Thai basil to add a vibrant, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Caramelized Onions: For an extra layer of sweetness and depth, sauté onions until they are deliciously caramelized and fold them into the sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad to create a harmonious and visually stunning presentation.
Storage: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, being mindful not to overcook the chicken.
Make-Ahead: This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Simply follow the recipe and store the cooked chicken and sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful indulgence that nourishes both the body and the soul. Packed with high-quality protein from the chicken, this dish also boasts a balanced blend of carbohydrates and healthy fats, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner option that will still maintain the moist, tender texture when slow-cooked in the honey-garlic-teriyaki sauce. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on the chicken and check for doneness.
Can I make this dish in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Simply place all the ingredients in the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally before shredding the chicken and serving.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To add a touch of heat to the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken, you can stir in a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken freezes beautifully. Simply transfer the cooked chicken and sauce to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, to soak up the rich, caramelized sauce. A simple side salad or a portion of roasted potatoes also make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. 2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
3. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. 4. Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it using two forks.
5. 5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. 6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
7. 7. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg