Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly convenient meal that brings together tender chicken, a glossy sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, and hearty bowl components like rice and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken until it is juicy and easy to shred, allowing it to soak up every bit of the rich teriyaki sauce. Served as a bowl, this dish feels balanced, satisfying, and customizable, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or relaxed weeknight cooking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers rich, sweet-savory flavor with almost no hands-on effort. The slow cooker does all the work, turning tender chicken into a juicy, flavorful base as it simmers in a glossy teriyaki sauce. Served over rice and finished with fresh toppings, every bowl feels comforting, balanced, and deeply satisfying.What makes this recipe truly special is how convenient and reliable it is. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, and the flavors only get better as they cook low and slow.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a must-try because they deliver bold, sweet-savory flavor with minimal effort. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender and juicy, soaking up the rich teriyaki sauce and creating a comforting, flavorful base. Paired with rice and fresh toppings, each bowl is satisfying, balanced, and full of crave-worthy taste.This recipe stands out for its convenience and versatility. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family, it requires very little hands-on time while producing consistently delicious results.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken Teriyaki

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Bowls

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Cooking Directions

Chicken is slow-cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce until tender, then shredded and mixed back into the thickened sauce. The chicken is served over rice with vegetables to create a balanced and flavorful bowl.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
7. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the thickened sauce.
9. Prepare rice and vegetables while the sauce thickens.
10. Assemble bowls by layering rice, teriyaki chicken, and vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the chicken teriyaki hot over rice in individual bowls. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side or mixed in. This dish pairs well with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, but breasts work just as well.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
• Do not add the cornstarch at the beginning, as it thickens best at the end.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.

Variations in Detail

Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes for sweetness.
Spicy Teriyaki: Stir in chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Vegetable-Heavy Bowls: Add snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Teriyaki Tofu Bowls: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding
• Saucepan or steamer for rice and vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and allow extra cooking time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

What rice works best for teriyaki bowls?
White rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a comforting, flavorful, and practical meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. With tender chicken, rich homemade teriyaki sauce, and customizable bowl ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or stress-free cooking, it is a must-try dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.