Introduction

There’s something about a slow-cooked dish that just feels like home. Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is one of those recipes that’s so easy to make, yet packs in a ton of flavor. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together in the morning and come home to the mouthwatering scent of tender chicken smothered in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. And the best part? It takes almost no effort at all!

I first made this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken on a day when I was craving takeout but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of ordering in. I’d had a bottle of teriyaki sauce sitting in my pantry for ages, so I decided to give it a go. A few hours later, I had juicy, fall-apart chicken with the kind of flavor you’d expect from a fancy restaurant—minus the price tag! Since then, it’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s so simple to make and the whole family loves it.

What makes this recipe special is how customizable it is. The chicken soaks up the teriyaki sauce while it cooks, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. The addition of garlic, ginger, and honey brings an extra layer of depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and savoriness. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is always a winner. Plus, you’ll have leftovers for lunch the next day, which is always a bonus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re wondering whether Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is worth trying, here are just a few reasons why this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

Hands-Off Cooking: This recipe is made in the slow cooker, so once you’ve set it up, you can forget about it. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without all the fuss.
Flavorful and Juicy Chicken: The chicken absorbs all the delicious teriyaki sauce as it cooks, turning it into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Versatile: Serve it over steamed rice, mix it with noodles, or even pile it on a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!
Family-Friendly: With its sweet-savory flavor, this dish is great for kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will love it.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and you’ll have leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Imagine coming home after a long day, lifting the lid off your Crock Pot, and being greeted by the rich, savory smell of teriyaki chicken. The chicken is so tender it practically falls apart, and the sauce has just the right balance of sweet and salty. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting and satisfying, without requiring much effort.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 4-6 hours (on low), 2-3 hours (on high)
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 300
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For this easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option): Chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy in the Crock Pot, making them the perfect canvas for the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
1 cup teriyaki sauce: Store-bought or homemade (more on that later!). This is the base of the dish and adds all the signature flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce in the teriyaki.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds a zesty kick to the sauce, giving it a nice depth of flavor.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings the salty umami flavor to the dish, enhancing the teriyaki sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A dash of acidity helps to balance the richness of the sauce and tenderizes the chicken.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): If you prefer a thicker sauce, cornstarch is a simple way to give it a glossy, luscious texture.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and a little extra flavor.
Green onions (for garnish): Chopped green onions brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness.

These ingredients come together in a perfect balance of sweet, salty, savory, and slightly tangy—everything you could want in a comforting, flavorful dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this easy and delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. It’s so simple, even beginners can make this with confidence!

Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your Crock Pot. There’s no need to sear them first—just lay them in whole. If you prefer, you can season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, but the teriyaki sauce will provide plenty of flavor.
Mix the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust if you like it sweeter (add a little more honey) or saltier (add a splash more soy sauce). This is where you can make the recipe your own!
Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, making sure the chicken is coated evenly. Don’t worry about the sauce covering the chicken completely; as it cooks, it will naturally distribute and soak into the meat.
Set the Crock Pot:
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. It should pull apart effortlessly and absorb all the teriyaki sauce. Give it a good mix so the chicken is coated with all that delicious sauce.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
Garnish:
- Serve the shredded chicken over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a touch of crunch.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:

Serve over Steamed Rice: A classic option that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Serve with Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, toss this chicken with some cooked soba noodles or udon for a complete meal.
In a Wrap or Sandwich: Pile the shredded chicken on a bun for a quick and tasty sandwich or wrap.
With Veggies: Pair with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are lean, thighs add extra moisture and flavor. If you prefer dark meat, bone-in chicken thighs will work just as well, and the meat will be even more tender.
Adjust the Sweetness: Everyone has their own preference for sweetness. If you like a sweeter teriyaki sauce, feel free to add more honey or brown sugar to taste.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you want to give the dish a little heat.
Prep Ahead: You can prep everything the night before—just assemble the chicken and sauce in the Crock Pot insert, cover, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the Crock Pot and let it cook!
Keep It Moist: If the chicken seems a bit dry, add a bit more water or chicken broth to the sauce and stir it in. The slow cooker method usually keeps the chicken moist, but extra liquid can help if you need it.

Recipe Variations

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few variations to mix things up:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian take. Tofu absorbs flavors wonderfully, and slow cooking will make it super tender.
Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, toss in a handful of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) about halfway through cooking. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Crispy Topping: If you love a bit of crunch, top your chicken with fried onions, chopped peanuts, or crispy shallots just before serving.
Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a one-pot meal.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but it will require a bit more time to cook. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts or thighs, I recommend cooking it on low for 6-7 hours instead of the usual 4-5 hours for fresh chicken. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I make this recipe without the soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy-free option, you can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos. It has a similar salty, savory flavor but is soy-free and often a bit milder in taste. You can also try a low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, simply remove the chicken from the Crock Pot once it’s done cooking. Then, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high until it thickens. This will give you that nice, glossy, restaurant-style teriyaki sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to fit the extra ingredients. If you do double the recipe, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your Crock Pot.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner, perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and comforting with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken comes out tender and flavorful, and the sweet-savory teriyaki sauce is the perfect complement. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or in a wrap, this dish is always a hit. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can customize it to fit your tastes.

I love how this recipe can be prepped ahead and ready to go when you need it, making it the perfect weeknight meal for families. And since it’s made in the Crock Pot, there’s little cleanup involved too, making it an even bigger winner in my book.

Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your rotation. It’s one of those meals that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken