Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent chicken glazed in a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory teriyaki sauce. This Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Teriyaki Chicken is about to become your new obsession – a dish so incredibly delicious and easy to prepare that it'll transform your weeknight dinner routine from boring to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce adhere better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated and covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Optional: For a thicker, glossier sauce, transfer the remaining liquid to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes until it reduces and becomes more concentrated.
- Drizzle the reduced sauce over the chicken or pour it directly from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish, allowing guests to enjoy the sticky, flavorful chicken.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before cooking to ensure the sauce clings beautifully and creates that irresistible sticky glaze.
- For extra flavor depth, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking if time permits.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish, especially if you plan to reduce the sauce later.
- If you want a more caramelized finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Don't discard the cooking liquid! Reducing it creates an incredible sauce that takes the chicken to the next level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or stick to traditional steamed rice for a classic presentation.Pro tip: The key to this recipe's success is low and slow cooking, which ensures the chicken remains incredibly tender and absorbs all those amazing flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg
