Craving takeout flavor without the fuss? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory, all made easily in your slow cooker. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar—no store-bought sauce required.
This is a great weeknight meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant. Serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete and delicious dinner that’s family-approved and meal prep-friendly!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a greased or sprayed crockpot. You can leave the pieces whole (to shred later) or cut them into large chunks.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, water, and hoisin (if using). Add chili sauce if desired for a spicy kick.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Keep the lid slightly ajar or cook uncovered for best thickening results.
Step 5: Shred and Finish
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the sauce. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Serve hot with garnishes.
Variation:
- Pineapple twist: Add a can of pineapple chunks (with juice) for sweet Hawaiian teriyaki vibes.
- Veggie mix: Toss in broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Swap the meat: Use boneless pork chops or meatballs for a fun variation.
COOKING Note:
Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts in the slow cooker. The sauce can be adjusted to taste—add more sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tang. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking (optional).
Serving Suggestions:
- White or brown rice: Classic pairing to soak up the teriyaki glaze.
- Lo mein or soba noodles: Turn it into a hearty noodle bowl.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans on the side.
- Lettuce wraps: Serve in romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
Tips:
- For best results, stir the sauce a couple of times during cooking if possible.
- Store leftovers with the sauce to keep the chicken moist.
- This freezes well—store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Add sesame seeds and green onions right before serving for flavor and color.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2.5–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~5 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~16g
- Fat: ~16g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Sugar: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
Values are estimates and will vary by ingredient brands and portions.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Always thaw chicken before adding to the crockpot for food safety and even cooking.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
- Add the cornstarch slurry near the end and cook uncovered until thickened.
Is teriyaki chicken spicy?
- Traditionally no, but you can add sriracha or chili flakes for heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken in a bag the night before and start it in the morning.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
- Yes, but making your own gives better control over flavor and ingredients.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, hands-off meal that turns simple ingredients into something special. With juicy slow-cooked chicken and a glossy teriyaki glaze that’s sweet, salty, and garlicky, it’s perfect for rice bowls, noodle plates, or even lettuce wraps.
Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe delivers satisfying takeout-style taste—with way less work