Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup teriyaki sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked rice or quinoa; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, a perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:31:10.278Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a family favorite! The tender chicken simmers in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich teriyaki flavor that satisfies your taste buds
Creamy texture that enhances the chicken's tenderness
Convenient slow cooker preparation for busy days

      

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

Finding a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. This Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the solution you've been searching for. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you'll have a deliciously rich and creamy dish waiting for you. It's a meal that brings the family together at the table without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on your day. The tender chicken absorbs the savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal that will leave your family asking for seconds.

Flavorful Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Teriyaki sauce provides a rich, umami taste that perfectly complements the chicken. Adding heavy cream not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a luscious texture that elevates the overall experience. It's a great way to transform basic chicken breasts into a gourmet meal.

The addition of garlic and ginger adds a wonderful aromatic quality, while the optional red pepper flakes introduce a hint of heat, balancing the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. This recipe is adaptable; feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, the options are endless. While cooked rice or quinoa is a classic pairing, consider serving it over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. The creamy sauce coats everything beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a well-rounded meal without excessive calories.

Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These toppings not only add a pop of color but also an extra layer of flavor and crunch that enhances the overall dish. This simple addition can turn your meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

Cooked rice or quinoa
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process!

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the chicken well.

Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Add Cream

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream into the teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker, mixing well.

Shred the Chicken

Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce. Stir to combine.

Serve

Serve the creamy teriyaki chicken over cooked rice or quinoa. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for Perfecting Your Teriyaki Chicken

To ensure your Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly, choose high-quality teriyaki sauce. A good sauce will have a balanced flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. If you have time, consider making your own sauce using soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for an extra kick.

Another tip is to avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can lead to a dry texture. Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat while still retaining its juiciness.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in luck! This Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The creamy sauce will retain its flavor and texture, making it just as enjoyable as the first serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your taste. For a different flavor profile, try adding vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker. They will cook alongside the chicken, infusing the dish with additional nutrients and flavors.

If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. This will still give you a creamy texture while cutting down on calories. You can also explore using other proteins like tofu or shrimp for a delicious vegetarian or seafood alternative.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the shredded teriyaki chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.