Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings the savory-sweet flavors of Asian-inspired teriyaki sauce to tender, slow-cooked chicken. The magic of this recipe lies in its set-it-and-forget-it convenience—simply add the ingredients to your crockpot, let it cook slowly, and return to a delicious, homemade meal. The chicken absorbs the rich, umami-packed sauce, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender while still bursting with flavor.

It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even casual gatherings when you want something wholesome yet fuss-free.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken because it combines simplicity with big flavor. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you put in hours of effort, but really, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. The sauce is a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, and pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, fried rice, or even noodles.

Another reason it’s a favorite? It’s family-friendly. Kids and adults alike enjoy the mildly sweet sauce, and you can easily adjust the flavors—make it spicier, less sweet, or add veggies directly into the pot.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s beginner-friendly yet yields restaurant-quality results.
• Requires minimal prep—just dump, cook, and enjoy.
• It’s versatile: serve it with rice, quinoa, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
• It’s a meal-prep dream—stores and reheats beautifully.

If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal, Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken absolutely deserves a spot in your rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours (on low) or 2–3 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~280–320 calories per serving (without rice)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Fusion
• Course: Main Dish / Dinner

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey (or brown sugar for a deeper sweetness)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry, to thicken sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken and shred or slice.
5. Mix cornstarch and water, stir into the crockpot sauce, and cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Return chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

1. Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat and place chicken breasts (or thighs) into the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water until well combined.
3. Cook: Pour sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
4. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the crockpot, shred with two forks, or slice into strips.
5. Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, add it to the crockpot, and stir. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine & Finish: Return chicken to the crockpot, coat evenly with the sauce, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad.
• Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun twist.
• Serve with noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
• For richer flavor, swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
• Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
• To make it spicier, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical twist.
• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Stir in chili paste or hot sauce.
• Teriyaki Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of breasts or thighs.
• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken (without rice) in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small whisk or fork

Conclusion

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is one of those comfort-food classics that’s both simple and satisfying. With tender chicken coated in a sweet-savory sauce, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining, this recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a must-have in your recipe collection.