Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Hola! I’m Emma, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with bold, soul-warming flavors from around the world, here’s a delicious answer: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. I still remember my mama’s kitchen filled with the aroma of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger simmering together, and that’s when I first discovered the magic of Asian-inspired meals. Today, I’m sharing a comforting crockpot recipe that’s as easy as it is flavorful. This dump-and-go teriyaki chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want to come home to a hearty dinner waiting for you. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family of five, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a weeknight favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 4–6 hours | 4 hours 10 minutes | 6 | Easy | Asian-Inspired | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dump-and-Go Simplicity – Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and let the slow cooker do the work. Perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly Meal – The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is loved by both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed dinner win.
- Great for Meal Prep – Shredded chicken reheats beautifully, making it ideal for prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
- Customizable – Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Healthy Comfort Food – Made with lean chicken breasts and a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s lighter than takeout but just as satisfying.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – Easy Crockpot Family Dinner
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
An easy, dump-and-go slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe packed with sweet, savory, garlicky flavor. Perfect for meal prep, busy nights, or a healthier takeout-style dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated well.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken, place on a plate, and shred with two forks.
6. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
7. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir into the sauce.
8. Bring to a boil, cooking 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and pour sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly.
10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving over rice or noodles.
Notes
Shred chicken while it’s warm for best texture.
Thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
Make 1.5x sauce for extra glaze on rice or veggies.
Store leftovers in fridge for 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 227
- Sugar: 17g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless work best, but chicken thighs add more richness if you prefer dark meat. |
| Garlic & Ginger | Freshly minced gives the best flavor, but jarred works in a pinch. |
| Soy sauce | Use low-sodium to balance saltiness. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options. |
| Honey & Brown Sugar | Adjust sweetness to taste—use more honey for natural sweetness or reduce for a lighter dish. |
| Rice Vinegar | Adds tang and balances the sauce. Substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed. |
| Cornstarch | Thickens the sauce to that glossy restaurant-style finish. Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and cover the crockpot.
- Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Strain the remaining teriyaki sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until dissolved, then add to the saucepan. Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Slice green onions just before serving for the freshest crunch.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat that won’t dry out.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal later.
- Line your crockpot with a liner for super easy cleanup.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Shred While Warm – Chicken is easiest to shred right out of the crockpot while still hot.
- Don’t Overcook – Keep an eye on cook time to avoid dry chicken. Low and slow works best.
- Thicken Separately – Always thicken the sauce on the stove to keep it glossy, not gummy.
- Add Veggies – Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.
Recipe Variations
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls – Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli for a takeout-style dinner.
- Teriyaki Chicken Wraps – Roll in a tortilla with cabbage slaw for a fusion twist.
- Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps – Use lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry – Toss shredded chicken with sautéed veggies and noodles.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prep the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use. Shredded teriyaki chicken also freezes beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crockpot teriyaki chicken over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a restaurant-style finish. For a fun twist, serve family-style with chopsticks.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with steamed veggies like broccoli or snow peas. For drinks, try green tea, a crisp Riesling, or sparkling water with lime. As a side, fried rice or Asian slaw adds a crunchy balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals with a splash of water to keep it moist, or warm gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but thaw first for even cooking and best texture.
Can I make this with chicken thighs? Absolutely! They’ll add more flavor and stay juicy.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I add vegetables? Yes, toss in broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers during the last hour.
What can I serve instead of rice? Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Can I make this spicy? Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 227 | 25g | 22g | 3g | 0g | 17g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors made simple in your crockpot. Try it this week for an easy meal that’s family-approved and full of flavor—you’ll want to make it again and again!
