Who doesn’t appreciate a good slow-cooked meal? There’s just something about the tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, soaked in a savory, tangy teriyaki sauce that makes my mouth water. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is like a symphony in your mouth, where each flavor note plays its own beautiful part, resulting in a harmonious taste sensation. Can you picture it? Can you almost taste it? I know I can.
Preparing this dish is like taking a peaceful stroll in a tranquil, aromatic garden. The slow cooker does most of the work, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with the rich flavors of the sauce. You can practically set it and forget it, with just a few simple steps to follow. And the result? A delectable, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Are you ready to embark on this culinary journey?
Why Slow Cooking?
Slow cooking is a culinary magic trick. It turns simple, everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering, aromatic feast that you can’t help but devour. The slow, gentle heat tenderizes the meat, while the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Each bite is a testament to the transformative power of slow cooking.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker takes care of all the complicated stuff, leaving you free to relax or take care of other things. It’s as if you have your own personal chef, working tirelessly to create a meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why Teriyaki?
Teriyaki sauce, with its unique blend of sweetness, tanginess, and umami, is like a secret weapon in the kitchen. It can elevate even the simplest of dishes to a new level of deliciousness. In this recipe, it transforms the humble chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
But don’t let the exotic name intimidate you. Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients – soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and ginger. And the result? A sauce that’s miles better than any store-bought version, rich and complex, with a perfect balance of flavors.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The choice of chicken is crucial for this dish. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my go-to for slow cooker recipes. They’re not only more flavorful but also stay juicy and tender during the long cooking process. Trust me, once you’ve tried chicken thighs in your slow cooker, you’ll never go back to chicken breasts.
However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they tend to cook more quickly.
Putting it All Together
Now that we’ve talked about the magic of slow cooking, the potent flavors of teriyaki, and the importance of choosing the right chicken, let’s dive into the actual process of making this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Allow to cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 480 per serving