Toss cubed chicken and brown sugar into your crockpot to recreate that popular take-out dish at home.

Teriyaki chicken, a beloved dish from Japan, has found its way into many kitchens due to its sweet and savory flavor profile. The balance of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar creates a caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with tender chicken. This slow cooker version simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without the need to monitor the stovetop. It's a fantastic choice for busy days when you still want to serve up something special.

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the sauce to seep into the grains and complement the chicken's flavors. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make for a nutritious and colorful side. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried noodles or a simple green salad with a sesame dressing.

Servings: 4-6 servings

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water to mix with cornstarch
Optional garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Place the cubed chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water to create a slurry.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Cover and continue to cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir well, and optionally garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

For a lower-sugar option, reduce the brown sugar by half and replace with a sugar substitute that can caramelize, like coconut sugar. If you prefer a spicier teriyaki, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. For a different protein, this recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas directly into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.