Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality feast that'll have your family begging for seconds? This Honey Teriyaki Chicken recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce that's so easy to make, you'll feel like a culinary genius with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimum stress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the honey teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- For Instant Pot: Close the lid, set to manual high pressure, and cook for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove chicken from the cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay incredibly moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before adding to the cooker, ensure chicken is thoroughly dried to help the sauce adhere better and prevent excess liquid.
- Layer of Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Sauce Thickness Matters: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for creating that restaurant-style glossy sauce. Whisk carefully to avoid lumps.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, cauliflower rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
