Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy slow cooker teriyaki chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ariana Brooks

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:43:04.113Z

This creamy slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, cooked slowly to ensure tenderness and richness. Serve it over rice for a complete meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich and savory teriyaki flavor with a creamy twist
  • Effortless preparation with a slow cooker
  • Perfect for meal prep or family dinners

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Teriyaki chicken is a beloved dish that brings together the sweet and savory notes of traditional Japanese cuisine. This creamy version elevates the classic recipe, adding a rich and velvety texture that makes every bite incredibly satisfying. The combination of teriyaki sauce with heavy cream creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress both family and guests alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this creamy slow cooker teriyaki chicken fits the bill perfectly. It's versatile enough to be served over rice, noodles, or even alongside steamed vegetables for a nutritious spread. Plus, it’s an excellent dish for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

This recipe is also ideal for gatherings, as it can be made in large batches. Set up a buffet-style meal where guests can customize their plates. The richness of the creamy sauce paired with the tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, choose high-quality chicken thighs. They are more forgiving during the cooking process compared to chicken breasts and retain moisture well. Additionally, for those who prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.

Don't forget to garnish your dish! Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color, making your meal visually appealing. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. A little creativity in presentation can make a simple dish feel gourmet.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker for a flavorful dish.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Sauce and Cook

In a separate bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Make it Creamy

Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it. Mix heavy cream with cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker. Return the chicken and mix well.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your creamy teriyaki chicken!

Storage and Reheating

This creamy slow cooker teriyaki chicken stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making the leftovers even more delicious.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. This ensures that each serving remains creamy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a classic combination. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Alternatively, serve it over noodles for a comforting twist, or alongside a fresh salad to add a crisp element to the meal.

For a complete dinner experience, pair your dish with steamed broccoli or snap peas. The bright greens not only enhance the presentation but also provide a nutritious complement to the creamy chicken.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be less tender than thighs.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce to make it gluten-free.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the creamy teriyaki chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy slow cooker teriyaki chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Ariana Brooks

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  2. 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  5. 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  6. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  7. 2 tablespoons water
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Chopped green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Step 03

Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it. Mix heavy cream with cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker. Return the chicken and mix well.

Step 04

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g