Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

There’s something magical about walking into a house that smells like dinner is already done. As a mom of two with a schedule that often feels like a high-speed train, I’ve come to worship my slow cooker. It’s the quiet hero of my kitchen, turning hectic evenings into peaceful family meals. This Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a perfect example of that magic. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, with tender chicken bathed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, all while I’m free to tackle my endless to-do list. It’s the kind of simple, dump-and-go recipe that makes weeknights not just manageable, but genuinely enjoyable.

Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients

This Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this slow cooker teriyaki is its flexibility.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their richer flavor and because they stay incredibly juicy during the long cook time. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This forms the salty, umami base of our homemade teriyaki sauce. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce its signature sweetness and helps it thicken into a beautiful glaze. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
• Rice Vinegar: A little acidity balances the sweetness and saltiness perfectly.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. In a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder can work.
• Cornstarch: This is our thickening agent to turn the thin cooking liquid into a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
• Sesame Oil and Sesame Seeds: Used at the end for a nutty, aromatic finish.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-7 hours on Low
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
  This is a true “set it and forget it” meal, requiring less active time than it takes to decide what to order for delivery.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki

Making this easy teriyaki recipe is as simple as one, two, three. The slow cooker does nearly all the work for you.

1. Combine the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This creates the foundation of your flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce.
2. Add Chicken to Crockpot. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top. Pro tip: There’s no need to stir at this point. Just let the chicken settle into the sauce.
3. Cook. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Thicken the Sauce. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. In a small bowl, make a slurry by whisking the cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Whisk this slurry into the hot liquid in the crockpot. This step is key for getting that thick, glossy sauce instead of a thin, soupy one.
5. Shred and Combine. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crockpot. Stir to coat it in the newly thickened sauce. Add the sesame oil and stir again. Let it heat through for the remaining 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve. Garnish your finished chicken teriyaki crockpot masterpiece with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information for Your Weeknight Dinner

This recipe is not only delicious but also provides a great source of protein. A serving (approximately 1 cup of shredded chicken with sauce) contains roughly:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 11g
  The chicken is rich in protein to keep you full, and by making the sauce at home, you control the sugar and sodium levels, making it a healthier choice than takeout.

Equipment Needed for This Easy Teriyaki Recipe

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this dump and go meal.

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker or crockpot.
• A small whisk or fork for combining the sauce.
• A small bowl for the cornstarch slurry.
• Two forks for shredding the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

• Effortless Cooking: It’s the ultimate hands-off recipe. You get a flavorful, home-cooked meal without being tied to the stove.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is a universal crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
• Versatile for Meal Prep: This chicken is perfect for making ahead and using in various ways throughout the week, much like our Meal Prep Teriyaki Chicken Bowls.
• Better Than Takeout: Homemade means you know exactly what’s in it, and it often tastes fresher and more vibrant.

Healthier Alternatives for Your Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Lower Sugar: Replace the brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or reduce the amount by a quarter.
• Paleo/Whole30: Use coconut aminos and omit the brown sugar (the sauce will be less sweet and more savory).
• Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat, similar to the flavor profile in our Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Teriyaki Crockpot Creation

The possibilities are endless for serving this versatile chicken.

• Over Rice: The classic choice! Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• With Veggies: Steam some broccoli, snap peas, or carrots on the side, or stir them into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon the shredded chicken into large butter lettuce or romaine leaves.
• As a Bowl: Create a nourishing bowl with rice, the teriyaki chicken, and a variety of toppings like edamame, shredded carrots, and cucumbers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Slow Cooker Teriyaki

A few small missteps can affect your final dish. Here’s how to avoid them.

1. Using Frozen Chicken: Always thaw your chicken completely first. Adding frozen chicken increases the cooking time dangerously and can leave the chicken in the “temperature danger zone” for too long.
2. Skipping the Slurry: If you forget to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry, you’ll be left with a lot of thin liquid. Don’t skip this step for the perfect glaze.
3. Overcooking Lean Chicken Breast: If you use chicken breast instead of thighs, reduce the cooking time by about an hour. Breast meat can become dry and stringy if cooked for too long.
4. Adding the Sesame Oil Too Early: Sesame oil has a delicate flavor that can cook off. Always stir it in at the very end to preserve its aromatic quality.

Storing Tips for Your Homemade Teriyaki Sauce and Chicken

This is a fantastic make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool the chicken completely and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Your New Favorite Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

This Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken truly is a weeknight dinner hero. It’s the kind of reliable, delicious recipe that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again when life gets busy. It proves that a home-cooked meal doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredibly satisfying. If you love this simple approach to slow-cooked chicken, you might also enjoy our The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken or our cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. And if you’re looking to build your flavor foundation, our guide to Chicken Marinade Recipes is a great next stop.

I hope this recipe brings as much ease and joy to your table as it has to mine. Let me know how your Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations

FAQs about Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Print

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!