When life gets busy, there’s nothing like the ease of a good Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe to make dinner feel effortless yet satisfying. This article will walk you through how to make a simple, family-approved crockpot meal using pantry staples and your favorite slow cooker. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute dinner, this recipe is perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cozy Sunday afternoons. With a mix of sweet and savory teriyaki flavors, this dish fits right into your rotation of easy crockpot meals, dump-and-go favorites, and even kid-friendly crockpot recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe hits all the marks for simplicity, flavor, and family-friendliness. If you’re a fan of dump-and-go crockpot meals that do the heavy lifting while you go about your day, this one’s for you.
- Effortless prep: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away, perfect for 8-hour crockpot meals.
- Freezer-friendly: This is one of those great crockpot freezer meals you can prep in batches and store.
- Kid-approved: The sweet teriyaki glaze makes it one of those crockpot kid-friendly recipes even picky eaters love.
- Perfect for small crockpots: Ideal if you’re cooking for one or two.
- Meal-prep hero: Pair with rice or steamed veggies for easy meal prep crockpot recipes throughout the week.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
To make the perfect Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need fresh, colorful ingredients that blend sweet and savory into a meal worth repeating. These pantry staples and easy-to-find items come together in just minutes, making this recipe one of the best crockpot dump and go recipes to keep in your weekly rotation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts – juicy and tender after slow cooking
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce – adds that deep, savory umami flavor
- 1/3 cup honey – balances the soy sauce with natural sweetness
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar – brightens and lifts the sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – gives that sticky, glazed texture
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – aromatic and bold
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – adds a pop of warmth and zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water – creates a rich, glossy finish
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional) – for an extra layer of nutty flavor
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds – for garnish and texture
- Steamed white or brown rice – perfect base for soaking up the teriyaki glaze
You can easily pair this with a soup side like the Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for a well-rounded, cozy lunch idea from the crockpot lunch recipes category.
How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a flavorful, no-fuss dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick dinner solution, this easy crockpot recipe fits the bill. Here’s how to make it step-by-step using simple ingredients and just one pot.
- Add chicken to crockpot
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Use a small crockpot if you’re cooking for one or two. - Whisk the sauce
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. - Thicken the sauce
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens. - Serve and garnish
Shred the chicken in the crockpot or slice it before serving. Spoon sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pair it with white rice, steamed broccoli, or a comforting bowl of Coconut Curry Chicken Soup to make it a complete lunch or dinner.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Serving Suggestions
Once your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is tender, juicy, and glazed to perfection, it’s time to serve it up in a way that suits your table. This recipe is versatile enough for a cozy night in or a weekday meal prep solution. Whether you’re keeping things classic or adding a fresh twist, here are some tasty ways to enjoy it.
Serve it over rice
A bed of white or brown rice is the go-to pairing. It soaks up the sweet-savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Add steamed or roasted vegetables
Try broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots. They bring color and balance to your plate.
Use it in lettuce wraps
For a light and low-carb option, spoon shredded chicken into romaine or butter lettuce cups.
Make it a meal prep bowl
Layer chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce into containers for a week of ready-to-eat lunches.
Turn leftovers into sandwiches
Serve shredded teriyaki chicken on a toasted bun with slaw for a sweet and savory twist on pulled chicken.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Variations and Customizations
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re working with dietary needs or just want to try something new, these easy swaps and additions will help you customize the recipe to suit your taste.
Swap the protein
Use boneless pork chops or chicken drumsticks for a different texture. Tofu or tempeh also work well for a plant-based version.
Add colorful vegetables
Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snow peas during the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
Spice it up
Stir in red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha if you like a little kick in your crockpot lunch recipes.
Go low-carb
Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps to make it a lighter, low-carb option.
Make it freezer-friendly
Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch and garnishes) in a freezer bag. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, just thaw overnight and cook like normal.
Storage and Reheating for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken stores and reheats beautifully, making it one of the top choices for meal prep crockpot recipes. Whether you’re storing leftovers or preparing meals in advance, here’s how to keep the flavor fresh.
Storing
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For the stovetop, warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in a covered baking dish at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes.
This dish is especially convenient for batch cooking. You can even double the recipe and freeze half for a future dinner.
Pro Tips for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Making a great Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is all about small techniques that elevate your final dish. These pro tips will help you achieve tender meat, balanced flavors, and just the right sauce texture every time.
Use thighs for best flavor
Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker. They stay juicy and soak up the teriyaki flavor perfectly without drying out.
Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry
Mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding it helps avoid clumps. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes for a glossy, thickened sauce.
Shred the chicken in the crockpot
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. It soaks up more flavor and keeps cleanup easy.
Taste and adjust
If the sauce is too salty or too sweet, balance it with a splash of water or vinegar to mellow it out. You’re in control.
Prep ahead
Combine all ingredients in a zip-top bag and refrigerate overnight or freeze. When ready to cook, just place it all in the crockpot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Even with simple crockpot dump and go recipes, a few easy-to-miss mistakes can affect your results. Here are the most common issues to watch out for and how to avoid them.
Using too much liquid
Crockpots don’t let liquid evaporate like stovetop cooking. Stick to the recipe’s measurements or your sauce may turn watery.
Skipping the cornstarch step
Forgetting to thicken the sauce leaves you with a thin glaze. Don’t skip the slurry, it transforms the sauce into that classic teriyaki texture.
Overcooking the chicken
Even in a slow cooker, chicken can get dry if left too long on high. Stick to the timing, especially if using chicken breasts.
Adding vegetables too early
Soft veggies like bell peppers or broccoli can become mushy. Add them in the last hour for the best color and bite.
Not tasting before serving
Sauces can vary based on brands of soy sauce or sweeteners. Always taste at the end and adjust seasoning to suit your preferences.
Avoid these slip-ups and your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Serve with a comforting vegetable soup to round out a warm and cozy dinner.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Wrap-Up
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a flavorful, low-effort dish perfect for busy families or anyone looking to add more easy crockpot meals to their rotation.
From freezer meals to kid-friendly dinners, it’s a must-try that brings sweet and savory comfort to your table.
For another soul-warming idea, enjoy it with a bowl of Simple Vegetable Soup.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Dump and Go Recipe for Busy Nights
Description
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect dump and go meal. With tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, this recipe fits into any easy crockpot meals list.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken in crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water, add in final 30 minutes. Stir to thicken.
- Shred or slice chicken. Serve with rice, veggies, and garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 Cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 335kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 870mg37%
- Potassium 510mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Thighs work best for juiciness
- Add vegetables in the last hour
- Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as needed
