In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water to create a slurry.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Cover and continue to cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir well, and optionally garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a lower-sugar option, reduce the brown sugar by half and replace with a sugar substitute that can caramelize, like coconut sugar. If you prefer a spicier teriyaki, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. For a different protein, this recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas directly into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.