Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to your new weeknight favorite! This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. It delivers tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, savory, and perfectly sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. You won’t believe how easy it is to create a dish that tastes this good with such minimal effort. Get ready for a meal that will have the whole family asking for seconds.
Why This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
In the world of easy dinner recipes, the slow cooker is king, and this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken proves it. It’s a true “dump and go” recipe, meaning you just toss the ingredients in and let the crockpot work its magic. There’s no need to stand over a hot stove.
Dinner is served! The easiest and most delicious weeknight meal.
The result is incredibly tender chicken that practically shreds itself. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer. It’s a simple blend of pantry staples that creates a flavor far superior to any store-bought sauce, free from excess sodium and preservatives. This dish is a lifesaver for busy days and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients for this slow cooker teriyaki chicken. A few pantry staples are all it takes to create that incredible flavor.
For the Chicken
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Thighs will result in slightly juicier meat, but breasts are a fantastic lean option.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational savory flavor of the dish.
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base of our sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Honey: Adds a balanced sweetness that complements the soy sauce. You can also substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar.
Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to cut through the richness.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the sauce a warm, zesty kick.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this delicious chicken dinner is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Arrange in Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and incredibly tender.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately over rice and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Look at that sauce! Our homemade teriyaki sauce makes all the difference.
Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce
The sauce is the star of this dish! Here are a few tips to make it perfect.
Don’t Skip the Slurry: Whisking the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the crockpot is crucial. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth sauce.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before serving. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey. For more tang, a splash more rice vinegar will do the trick.
Add a Little Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
What to Serve with Your Teriyaki Chicken
This versatile Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of our favorites:
Rice: Classic steamed white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a colorful bell pepper stir-fry are excellent choices.
Noodles: Serve it over lo mein or ramen noodles for a different twist.
Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly flexible.
Protein Swap: This recipe works wonderfully with pork tenderloin or even beef stew meat. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add hearty vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snap peas to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
Pineapple Teriyaki: For a sweet and tangy twist, add a can of drained pineapple chunks along with the chicken.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or gently heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat. The sauce will thicken further upon cooling, but will loosen up again when reheated.
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the sauce in the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high.
For the most tender and juicy results, we recommend cooking the chicken on the low setting for 4-5 hours. However, if you’re short on time, the high setting for 2-3 hours will also work well.
This dish is delicious served over steamed white or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a fresh salad. It also pairs well with noodles or quinoa.
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this easy crockpot meal, you’ll love exploring other simple and delicious dinners. For another fantastic slow cooker option, try our slow cooker honey garlic chicken. If you’re in the mood for a comforting bake, this cheesy chicken and rice casserole is always a hit!
We hope you love this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see it!
Better than takeout! Get the recipe for this super simple Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.
This easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a savory and sweet dish that's better than takeout! Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce makes for the perfect weeknight dinner.
2lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastsYou can also use chicken thighs.
4clovesgarlicminced
1cuplow-sodium soy sauce
1/2cuphoney
1/4cuprice vinegar
1tablespoonfresh gingergrated
2tablespoonscornstarchmixed with 3 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry
Equipment
1 Slow Cooker (Crockpot) A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended.
1 Small Bowl
1 Whisk
Method
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot. Turn the heat to high and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalProtein: 40gFat: 6gFiber: 1g
Notes
For best results, use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
