Name: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ¾ cup soy sauce; ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; 3 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe requires minimal prep work.

The slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.

It is perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

The homemade teriyaki sauce is rich, sweet, and savory.

You can serve it in many different ways for easy meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic
Fresh ginger
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Water
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Directions

Place the chicken in the crockpot.

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 6 hours

Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.

Use pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical flavor.

Replace chicken with meatballs for a different version.

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

For food safety, it is best to thaw the chicken before slow cooking.

What type of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts also work well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?

A cornstarch slurry helps create a glossy and thick sauce.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours if needed.

What can I serve with Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes. Add hearty vegetables like carrots or broccoli during the final hour.

Is homemade teriyaki sauce sweet?

Yes. It has a balanced sweet and savory flavor.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes. It stores and reheats very well for lunches and dinners.

Can I freeze Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes. Freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and delicious meal that delivers tender chicken coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. With minimal effort and plenty of flavor, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.