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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce**
1. **Combine the ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This combination of ingredients creates the signature sweet, salty, and savory flavor profile that makes teriyaki chicken so delicious.
2. **Taste and adjust**: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. You can add a bit more honey for sweetness or extra soy sauce for saltiness, depending on your preference.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Slow Cooker**
1. **Place the chicken in the slow cooker**: Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to brown the chicken first, as it will cook beautifully in the sauce.
2. **Pour the sauce over the chicken**: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. If the chicken isn’t fully covered, you can turn it halfway through the cooking process for even flavor distribution.
#### **Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken**
1. **Set the slow cooker**: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **low** for 4-6 hours, or on **high** for 2-3 hours. The longer the chicken cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
2. **Check for doneness**: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use a fork to shred it directly in the slow cooker, or remove the chicken and slice it if you prefer whole pieces.
#### **Step 4: Optional – Thicken the Sauce**
1. **Make a cornstarch slurry**: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
2. **Add to the sauce**: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
1. **Shred the chicken**: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker, or remove the chicken breasts and slice them against the grain.
2. **Serve**: Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to make it a complete meal.
3. **Garnish**: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
### **Why This Recipe Works**
Cooking the chicken slowly allows it to soak up the rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. The slow cooker keeps the chicken moist and tender, while the sauce thickens and intensifies, creating a perfectly balanced dish. By shredding the chicken towards the end of cooking, you allow the sauce to fully coat the meat, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly flexible. You can adjust the amount of honey to make it sweeter or use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the slow cooker ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
### **Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken**
– **Use bone-in chicken for even more flavor**: Bone-in thighs or drumsticks can add more richness to the dish and make the meat even more flavorful, though they will require a slightly longer cooking time.
– **Add vegetables**: For a complete meal in one pot, you can add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the chicken.
– **Adjust sweetness**: If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar. For extra sweetness, feel free to add a little more honey or brown sugar.
– **Double the sauce**: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice or noodles, double the sauce ingredients and cook it separately to add more richness and flavor.
### **Serving Suggestions**
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
– **Steamed White or Brown Rice**: The tender chicken and flavorful sauce are perfect when served over fluffy rice, which soaks up the teriyaki sauce.
– **Noodles**: Serve the chicken over soba noodles or even egg noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
– **Vegetables**: Pair the chicken with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add some crunch and freshness to the meal.
– **Asian-style Slaw**: A side of crunchy Asian-style slaw, made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette, would perfectly complement the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
### **Final Thoughts**
This **Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken** is an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of both worlds: minimal effort and maximum taste. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory teriyaki flavors.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Pair it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home. So, fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delightful, comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
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