Sticky Sweet 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This sticky-sweet teriyaki chicken is made with just 4 ingredients in the slow cooker—perfect over rice for an easy, comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2½–3 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Comfort
Ingredients
2½ to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup teriyaki sauce (your favorite bottled brand)
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
Place chicken in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer.
Mix sauce: In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic until sugar dissolves.
Pour over chicken: Make sure all pieces are coated.
Cover and cook:
On LOW for 4–5 hours
OR on HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
Shred chicken: Use two forks to shred or chunk the chicken into the sauce. Stir well to coat.
Taste and adjust: Add a splash of water to lighten or more brown sugar to sweeten.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side.
Notes
Use bone-in thighs: Add 1 hour to cook time and remove bones before serving.
Add depth: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar.
Thicken sauce: Simmer 1 cup cooking liquid + 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water) in a saucepan until thick. Stir back in.
For a one-pot meal: Add frozen stir-fry veggies in the last 45 minutes of cooking.
Garnish: Top with green onions or sesame seeds for a polished finish.
Leftovers: Great for sandwiches, rice bowls, or wraps.
Halve easily for smaller servings.
