Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken : 7 Simple Reasons to Love This Dinner

Name: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken : 7 Simple Reasons to Love This Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger); 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish; Pineapple chunks; Sliced bell peppers; Shredded carrots

Posted on June 15, 2025 ·

By Eva

two crockpots filled with chicken and broccoli in teriyaki sauce

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If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is your new go-to recipe. With tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings.

This slow cooker meal brings bold flavor with minimal effort—just toss everything into your Crockpot and let it do the work. It’s perfect for those who want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with rice, steamed veggies, or your favorite salad for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how effortless and versatile this recipe is. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, including gluten-free or low-sugar versions.

Why This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Stands Out

Teriyaki chicken is a staple for good reason—its sweet, salty, umami-rich flavor is incredibly satisfying. But making it in the Crockpot takes it to a whole new level. Here’s what makes this version irresistible:

Set it and forget it: Let your slow cooker handle dinner while you go about your day.
No complicated prep: All ingredients are pantry-friendly and require minimal chopping.
Customizable: Easily adapt it with extra veggies or spice.
Great for meal prep: Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Kid-friendly: Sweet teriyaki flavors are loved by even the pickiest eaters.

This meal fits perfectly into your easy dinner rotation, right alongside favorites like Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or Garlic Butter Steak Bites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to bring this dish to life:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

Pineapple chunks
Sliced bell peppers
Shredded carrots

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much—just the basics:

6-quart Crockpot or slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs or slotted spoon
Airtight storage containers

How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Step 2: Pour and cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the Crockpot.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir it into the sauce and let cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve over jasmine or brown rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

You can also enjoy it with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Tips for Best Results

Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results. Breasts work too but may dry out if overcooked.
Low-sodium soy sauce is essential to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
Fresh ginger and garlic give a more vibrant flavor than powders.
Want extra veggies? Add bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking.
Meal prep tip: This dish keeps well for 4–5 days in the fridge—perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is extremely adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: Add a cup of pineapple chunks before cooking.
Low-carb version: Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and adjust cook time.

You might also enjoy pairing this with a side of nectarine salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.

What to Serve With Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Make it a full meal with one of these simple sides:

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
Stir-fried vegetables or edamame
Berry arugula salad
Roasted sweet potatoes
Crispy cauliflower chaffles

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for 1 of 6 servings:

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

To Freeze:
Place cooled teriyaki chicken in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using full-sodium soy sauce: It can make the dish overly salty.
Overcooking chicken breasts: Stick to thighs or reduce cook time for lean cuts.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry: It gives the sauce that glossy, takeout-style finish.
Adding veggies too early: They’ll turn mushy—add in the last hour of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cook time by 1 hour on low. Make sure it reaches a safe internal temp (165°F).

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just ensure your Crockpot is large enough and adjust cook time slightly.

What’s the best rice to serve it with?
Jasmine rice is traditional, but you can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other ingredients are GF.

How can I make the sauce thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered on the stovetop after slow cooking.

Looking for more easy slow cooker dinners? Try these from RecipeZed:

Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers big flavor with barely any effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s a stress-free, satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends, leave a comment below, and subscribe to RecipeZed for more wholesome slow cooker meals and family favorites.

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