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Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Rice Dinner

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This easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken thighs recipe is a fuss-free, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a balanced sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and served over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (Jasmine rice preferred)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth until well combined. (5 minutes)
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the slow cooker insert, leaving space for even cooking. (2 minutes)
  4. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, covering about halfway. Add more water if needed. (1 minute)
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Optional: Remove chicken and keep warm. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, stir into slow cooker liquid, and cook uncovered on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. (15 minutes)
  7. Return chicken to the sauce briefly to coat, then serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions. (5 minutes)

Notes

Patting chicken dry helps sauce stick better. Use bone-in thighs for juiciness. Thicken sauce after cooking with cornstarch slurry for best consistency. Check chicken early if your slow cooker runs hot. Can substitute maple syrup for honey or tamari for gluten-free soy sauce. Add chili flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, Asian recipe, crockpot, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken-thighs-recipe-for-perfect-rice-dinner/