Description
This Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate hands-off weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs cook low and slow in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, resulting in a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy families who want a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and place on cutting board. Make a slurry by whisking cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth, then whisk into the hot liquid in the crockpot.
- Shred chicken with two forks and return to crockpot. Stir to coat in thickened sauce. Add sesame oil and stir again. Let heat through for remaining 20-30 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Chicken breasts can be substituted but reduce cooking time by about 1 hour to prevent drying out. Always thaw chicken completely before adding to slow cooker. The cornstarch slurry is essential for achieving the perfect thick, glossy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 165mg