Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki: 1 Amazing Dish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki has become my ultimate weeknight hero, and I bet it will be yours too! There’s something magical about the sweet, savory aroma that fills the house as it cooks low and slow. I remember the first time I made this, the chicken was so incredibly tender, practically melting, coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s truly an easy Crock Pot Teriyaki chicken that feels like a gourmet meal without any fuss. Forget takeout; this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is about to change your dinner game. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Seriously, this dish is a game-changer for so many reasons!

Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce creates a delicious glaze that coats the tender chicken perfectly.
Minimal Prep Time: You can have this prepped and in the slow cooker in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Budget-Friendly: Using chicken thighs and common pantry staples makes this a very economical meal option.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar, comforting taste of teriyaki, making it a hit for everyone.
Healthy Option: This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki can be a healthier alternative to takeout, with control over ingredients.
Versatile: It’s a fantastic base for building a meal, easily adaptable with different vegetables or serving styles.
Effortless Cooking: The beauty of a Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is that your appliance does all the work while you go about your day.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and have delicious lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki. The magic really happens when these simple components come together to create that amazing Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Marinade.

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs are my favorite for this recipe because they stay incredibly moist, but breasts work too!
1 cup teriyaki sauce – This is the base of our sauce, providing that signature sweet and savory flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
½ cup honey – Honey adds a lovely sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
1 tablespoon minced garlic – Fresh minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon minced ginger – Ginger adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey and teriyaki.

How to Make Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Creating this delicious Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of fuss.

Step 1: While the recipe doesn’t require oven preheating, some people like to prep their serving dishes or sides at this stage.
Step 2: Place your 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. I usually opt for thighs because they stay incredibly tender and juicy, but chicken breasts work wonderfully too if that’s what you have on hand.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup teriyaki sauce, ½ cup honey, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. This creates the amazing sauce that will transform your chicken!
Step 4: Pour this glorious sauce mixture all over the chicken in the Crock-Pot. Make sure every piece of chicken is well-coated in this sweet and savory blend. The aroma starting to build is just incredible!
Step 5: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker’s wattage and the size of your chicken pieces.
Step 6: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, I like to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It needs to reach at least 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked through.
Step 7: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock-Pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot, mixing it thoroughly with all that delicious teriyaki sauce. This is where the magic happens for your Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki!
Step 8: Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for an additional 15 minutes on the “warm” setting. This allows the chicken to really soak up all those amazing flavors, resulting in truly irresistible Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
Step 9: Before serving, you can optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds or some thinly sliced green onions. It adds a lovely freshness and a pop of color to your finished dish, making your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki look as good as it tastes.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Achieving that perfect restaurant-quality flavor at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki from good to absolutely amazing!

For a richer sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it slightly – it helps create a lovely Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Gravy.
Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker; give the chicken and sauce room to circulate for even cooking.
If using chicken breasts, be extra careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki?

The real secret is in the sauce balance and not overcooking the chicken. Using thighs helps immensely, and letting the shredded chicken meld with the sauce at the end is key for that deep flavor. For more tips on achieving perfect chicken dishes, check out this guide on baked garlic chicken meatloaf.

Can I make Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chicken the night before and store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just combine them in the slow cooker. This is a fantastic part of Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Meal Prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki?

The biggest mistake is overcooking, especially with chicken breasts. Also, make sure your sauce ingredients are well-combined before adding them to prevent clumps. Finally, resist the urge to lift the lid too often! For more slow cooking tips, you might find this article on creamy sausage potato chowder helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

This versatile dish is fantastic served over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up all that delicious teriyaki sauce beautifully. For a complete and healthy meal, I love pairing it with steamed broccoli or a medley of roasted vegetables. It’s a perfect example of how you can create a satisfying Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables that’s both easy and nutritious. Another favorite way to serve it is in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option!

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful dish that offers a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 8g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the teriyaki sauce and any added honey. For a different flavor profile, consider trying this irresistible butter chicken recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is how perfectly it lends itself to Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Meal Prep. Once it’s cooked and you’ve shredded the chicken, let it cool down for about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature. Then, portion it into airtight containers. For storage in the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

What is Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki?

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a super simple dish where chicken, usually thighs or breasts, is slow-cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic way to get that classic teriyaki taste with minimal effort.

How do you make slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Making slow cooker teriyaki chicken is really straightforward. You basically combine your chicken with a sauce made from teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in your slow cooker. Then, you let it cook on low for several hours until the chicken is tender. Shredding it in the sauce at the end is key to maximum flavor! If you’re interested in other slow cooker recipes, this cozy sausage corn chowder is also a great option.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki?

Yes, you absolutely can! While chicken thighs are my personal favorite because they stay super moist, chicken breasts work well too. Just be a little more mindful of the cooking time with breasts to avoid drying them out. They still absorb the delicious teriyaki flavors beautifully.

What are the best sides for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki?

Rice is a classic and perfect pairing for soaking up all that amazing teriyaki sauce. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple side salad are also excellent choices for a complete meal. You really can’t go wrong! For another delicious chicken dish, try this sizzling quick Mexican chicken breast recipe.

Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki, you’ll want to experiment with all the delicious ways to switch it up! Here are a few ideas to keep your taste buds excited.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a little heat that complements the sweet teriyaki.
Citrus Twist: A splash of orange juice or a tablespoon of orange zest added to the sauce can give your Chicken Thighs Crock Pot Teriyaki a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
Pineapple Paradise: Incorporate a cup of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a tropical, sweet-tart variation.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in some bell pepper strips, snap peas, or carrots with the chicken during the last hour to create a more complete meal directly from the slow cooker.