Looking for a meal that’s easy to throw together, super flavorful, and perfect for meal prep? This Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is just what you need. With tender chicken thighs, a sweet and savory sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein—so you can feel good about every bite. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Super easy: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. No fuss, no stress.
→ Packed with flavor: The combination of tamari, honey, and mirin makes a sauce that’s sweet, savory, and totally irresistible.
→ Meal prep friendly: Makes enough to feed the whole family, plus leftovers for lunch!
→ Healthy: It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with protein. You can feel good about this one!
→ Perfect for busy days: Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients in This Recipe:
1| Chicken Thighs: I’m all about using chicken thighs in this recipe. They’re juicy, tender, and just soak up all that yummy teriyaki sauce. Plus, they’re usually more affordable than chicken breasts! 🍗
2| Tamari: This is your gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and it’s the star of the show when it comes to that rich, savory flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is the way to go!
3| Honey: A little sweetness goes a long way, and honey is perfect for balancing out the salty tamari. It gives the sauce a nice, smooth finish that makes every bite irresistible. 🍯
4| Mirin: Think of mirin as the secret ingredient that adds depth to your sauce. It’s a sweet rice wine that gives the dish a touch of richness and a flavor boost you won’t want to miss.
5| Rice: Basmati rice is light, fluffy, and the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious teriyaki sauce. You can’t go wrong with it! 🍚
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 5 hours 35mins
1| Start by tossing the chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
2| In a bowl, mix up the tamari, honey, mirin, ginger, and garlic. Pour it all over the chicken and give it a little stir.
3| Set the slow cooker to HIGH for about 4-5 hours, or LOW for 5+ hours—let that goodness simmer away!
4| Once the chicken’s cooked through, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken up the sauce. Let it sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes to work its magic.
5| While that’s happening, cook your rice according to the package instructions.
6| Serve the chicken and that delicious sauce over the rice, then top it with chopped green onions and maybe a dollop of mayo if you’re feeling fancy!
Glycemic Index: 56 (moderate) Glycemic Load: 34 (high)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some recipe swap and tweak ideas for your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:
Recipe Swaps:
1| Chicken Thighs → Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just note that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
2| Tamari → Soy Sauce: If you don’t need a gluten-free option, regular soy sauce can replace tamari. It’ll give you that classic savory flavor we all know and love.
3| Honey → Maple Syrup: If you’re out of honey or just want to try a different sweetener, maple syrup is a great alternative. It will add a unique depth of sweetness to the sauce.
4| Mirin → Rice Vinegar & Sugar: In a pinch? Mix 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar with 1 tablespoon of sugar to replace the mirin. It gives you that sweet-and-sour kick that makes the sauce so tasty.
5| Basmati Rice → Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice: For a slight flavor change or a healthier alternative, try using jasmine rice for a fragrant touch or brown rice for extra fiber and texture.
Recipe Tweaks:
1| Add Veggies: Throw in some veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli in the slow cooker to make the dish more hearty and colorful. Plus, they’ll soak up that delicious sauce! 🥦
2| Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist. 🌶️
3| Top with Sesame Seeds: For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. It adds a lovely nutty taste to the dish. 🌱
4| Swap Rice for Cauliflower Rice: Want to keep things lighter? Swap the basmati rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a great low-carb option that still lets the chicken and sauce shine!
5| Add Pineapple: Want a tropical twist? Toss in some pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce! 🍍
These swaps and tweaks give you some flexibility depending on what you have in your kitchen or personal preferences.
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Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some useful tips to help make your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice recipe even better:
1| Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: If you don’t mind a little extra work, using bone-in chicken thighs will give the dish an even richer flavor. The bones release extra juices into the sauce as it cooks.
2| Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. If you’re using boneless thighs, 4-5 hours on HIGH should be plenty. Overcooking can make it dry, and no one wants that!
3| Shred the Chicken for Extra Comfort: If you love shredded chicken, simply use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker once it’s done. It’ll soak up even more of that delicious sauce!
4| Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
5| Add Extra Sauce for a Saucier Dish: If you love a lot of sauce, double the marinade ingredients (tamari, honey, mirin) to create extra sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling over the rice or dipping!
6| Let the Sauce Thicken: After adding the cornstarch slurry, make sure to let the sauce sit uncovered for at least 15 minutes to thicken up properly. It’ll create that nice, glossy finish!
7| Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe for future meals.
8| Make it a One-Pot Meal: You can throw some veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers in the slow cooker with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal! Just chop them into chunks and add them at the beginning.
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Serving Ideas
Here are some tasty serving ideas for your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:
1| Serve with Steamed Veggies: Pair the chicken and rice with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or green beans for a balanced, colorful meal. The veggies soak up the teriyaki sauce and add a fresh crunch!
2| Top with Sautéed Greens: Sauté spinach, kale, or bok choy in a little olive oil and garlic. Serve it alongside your chicken and rice for an extra pop of flavor and nutrients.
3| Add a Side Salad: A crisp cucumber and avocado salad with a light sesame dressing makes a refreshing side to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. 🥒🥑
4| Serve in Lettuce Wraps: For a fun twist, serve the chicken and sauce in crispy lettuce wraps (like butter lettuce). This makes for a lighter, low-carb option that’s perfect for anyone watching their carb intake.
5| Pair with Pickled Veggies: Pickled carrots, radishes, or ginger are a great way to add a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory chicken. You can serve them on the side or garnish the dish!
6| Make It a Bowl: Create a rice bowl by adding the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, then top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, sesame seeds, or a fried egg. 🍳
7| Serve with Garlic Naan or Flatbread: Want something a little different? Serve the chicken over garlic naan or flatbread for a flavorful, Indian-inspired twist.
8| Add a Side of Sweet Potato Fries: For a hearty, comforting meal, serve the chicken with crispy sweet potato fries. They’re a great combo with the sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce.
9| Top with Fried Shallots or Crispy Onions: For a crispy, savory topping, sprinkle fried shallots or crispy onions over the dish. It adds extra crunch and flavor that complements the chicken perfectly!
These ideas can take your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice to the next level! Do any of these sound good to you?
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Storage Options
Here are some handy storage options for your Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:
Refrigeration:
- Store in an Airtight Container: After the chicken and rice have cooled down, transfer them into an airtight container. This will keep the dish fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep Sauce Separate: If you prefer your rice and chicken to stay separate from the sauce, you can store the sauce in a different container to avoid sogginess and pour it over when reheating.
Freezing:
- Freeze in Portions: For easy meal prep, divide the chicken, rice, and sauce into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This way, you can grab and reheat a single serving whenever needed.
- Label & Date: Don’t forget to label and date the containers! Frozen leftovers will stay good for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe container, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: If you have more time, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or extra sauce to keep everything moist.
Rice Storage:
- Separate Rice Storage: If you’re not storing everything together, the cooked rice can be stored in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If frozen, it will stay fresh for up to a month.
Freezer-Friendly Sauce:
- Freeze Extra Sauce: If you have leftover teriyaki sauce, pour it into an ice cube tray or small freezer-safe baggies. That way, you can easily grab a portion of sauce for future meals! The sauce will freeze well for 2-3 months.
These storage options will help keep your meal fresh and ready for the next time you need it!
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week (or even lunch the next day). The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can just sit back and enjoy the results. Top it off with some green onions and a little mayo if you like, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both tasty and satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try—I know you’ll love it!
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that’s full of flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Rice! 🍯🍗 It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s gluten-free and super healthy! 🥳
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Begin by placing the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. -
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine the tamari, honey, mirin, grated ginger, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. -
Step 3:
Set the slow cooker to cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or on LOW for 5+ hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. -
Step 4:
Once the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, and allow it to sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes. -
Step 5:
While the sauce is thickening, prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package. -
Step 6:
Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions. Optionally, you may top with mayonnaise for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 487kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
- Protein 41g82%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
