Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot – Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
If you love bold flavors but want a hands-off dinner, Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot is the perfect solution. This slow-cooker favorite combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce that slowly infuses every bite.
Inspired by classic Asian flavors and adapted for busy home cooks, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. Just add everything to your crock pot, let it cook, and enjoy restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken with minimal effort.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the sauce – In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, water, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken to crock pot – Place chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour sauce over chicken – Make sure all pieces are well coated.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred or slice chicken – Remove chicken, shred with forks or slice, then return to crock pot.
- Thicken sauce (optional) – Mix cornstarch and water, stir into sauce, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (LOW)
- Total Time: ~6 hours
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Extra Flavor: Sear chicken briefly before slow cooking for deeper taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Sweeter Sauce: Add 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice or brown sugar.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Skip olive oil entirely.
- Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit or erythritol instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Keto-Friendly: Use chicken thighs, sugar-free sweetener, and coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair with sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete, balanced meal. This easy crock pot recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—perfect for stress-free cooking and guaranteed family approval.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
Yes, but for best texture and safety, thaw chicken before cooking.
Q2: Can I make Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work perfectly in slow cooker recipes.
Q4: How do I prevent watery sauce?
Use cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce.
Q5: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip spicy ingredients for a mild, sweet flavor kids love.
