Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Introduction

Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, a tender, juicy chicken dish that’s effortless to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. The rich, tangy teriyaki sauce envelops the chicken, soaking it in a delightful combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Whether it’s served with rice, vegetables, or simply on its own, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes for a hearty and comforting meal.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. The crock pot does all the work, slowly cooking the chicken to perfection, while filling your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. I first made it on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became one of my go-to recipes for those days when I need dinner on the table with minimal effort. It’s like a little secret weapon in the kitchen!

Plus, the versatility is amazing. You can add your favorite vegetables to the mix, adjust the sweetness of the sauce, or even throw in a splash of spice if you like some heat. It’s perfect for meal prepping, serving for a family dinner, or even taking to a potluck. Once you try this Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation—it’s just that good!

Perfect For

Busy weeknights
Meal prepping for the week
Family dinners
Comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors
Quick and easy dinner solutions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Rich Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce is perfectly balanced with a sweet, salty, and savory flavor.
Tender Chicken: The slow cooker makes the chicken wonderfully tender and juicy every time.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Minimal Prep: Only a few simple ingredients are required to make a delicious dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4–6 hours (depending on your slow cooker)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–6 hours
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 290–320 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Vitamin A: 10% DV

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix of both)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

¾ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
¼ cup honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights:

Soy Sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce, giving it that deep umami flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity that enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Create aromatic flavors that make the sauce come to life.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor and depth to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Place Chicken in the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Pour Over the Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

Cook in the Slow Cooker:

Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Shred or Slice the Chicken:

Shred or Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it in the sauce.

Serve and Garnish:

Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a pop of color.

How to Serve

With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a classic teriyaki meal.
With Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked noodles for a comforting, Asian-inspired noodle dish.
With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair the chicken with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a balanced, healthy meal.
In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative.
On its Own: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or salad for a lighter meal.

Additional Tips

For a Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Use Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs will give you even juicier, more flavorful results.
For a Bolder Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 30–60 minutes before cooking if you have time.
Use Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger provides a more aromatic and pungent flavor than ground ginger, but either will work in the recipe.
Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and also freezes beautifully.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Honey-Sesame Teriyaki Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the sauce mixture for extra nutty flavor.
Low-Sugar Teriyaki Chicken: Replace the honey or brown sugar with a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tropical twist.
Vegetarian Teriyaki: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Crispy Chicken Teriyaki: Once the chicken is cooked, coat it in cornstarch and fry it for a crispy coating, then coat with teriyaki sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker: The key appliance for making this easy and delicious dish with minimal effort.
Small Bowl: For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
Whisk: To ensure the sauce ingredients are well combined before adding them to the slow cooker.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: To accurately measure the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to add 30–60 minutes of extra cooking time if using frozen chicken.

Can I make this without honey?

Yes, you can replace honey with brown sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute for a different flavor profile.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can reduce the sauce by simmering it in a saucepan on the stove until it thickens, or use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free thickener.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers to increase the spice level.

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken and cook it with the sauce for 25–30 minutes, then shred the chicken and mix with the sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory, sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort. This dish is not only tasty but also versatile, making it a great choice for serving over rice, noodles, or even with steamed vegetables.

The best part is that it can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. You can modify the sweetness or add extra ingredients like garlic, ginger, or sesame seeds for more depth of flavor. Whether you enjoy it with a side of your favorite veggies or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option, this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is sure to please everyone at the table.

Throw the ingredients into your Crock Pot, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. The result is a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Don’t forget to take a photo of your creation and share it on social media—be sure to tag me so I can see how it turned out! Enjoy your cooking adventure!