Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Cooking at home should be both delicious and effortless, especially when juggling daily commitments. This easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a savory, balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with juicy chicken and a rich teriyaki sauce, it’s a convenient dish perfect for busy weeknights. Let this crockpot wonder transform your evenings with minimal prep time and maximum flavor.

Our family’s love for teriyaki-inspired dishes stems from our memorable trip to Japan. Every visit to the local diners felt like discovering a new world of flavors. Back at home, I longed to recreate those savory tastes with a modern, convenient twist. Enter the slow cooker—a busy parent’s best friend. This dish quickly became a family staple, capturing hearts with its rich, authentic flavors and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a perfect blend of convenience and taste. Here’s why it stands out:

• Set It and Forget It: Toss all ingredients into your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you focus on more important things.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Made with wholesome ingredients, providing the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture, though breasts work well too.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A store-bought version works, but making your own will elevate the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium to keep the dish balanced and allow the other flavors to shine.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat. Place the pieces in the crockpot, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 3

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes.

Step 4

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.

Step 5

Once the sauce has thickened, serve the chicken with steamed rice or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

Looking to make this dish your own? Try swapping chicken for tofu for a vegetarian twist, or add a teaspoon of sriracha for those craving a spicy kick. Coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce for a paleo-friendly version, while adding pineapple chunks can infuse a tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic as a filling for tacos or as a topping for a hearty ramen bowl. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s advisable to thaw your chicken before placing it in the crockpot. Cooking frozen chicken requires adjustments and might result in uneven cooking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that the teriyaki sauce is also gluten-free or make your own from scratch with gluten-free ingredients.

What other sides pair well with this dish?

Besides rice, consider pairing it with quinoa, couscous, or even mashed potatoes for a different texture. Stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers balance the richness of the chicken.

Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This easy crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for a hassle-free and delicious meal. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a savory teriyaki sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice, served over steamed rice.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ▢ 1 cup soy sauce low sodium
• ▢ 1 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 0.5 cup rice vinegar
• ▢ 2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
• ▢ 2 tbsp minced garlic about 6 cloves
• ▢ 3 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• ▢ 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• ▢ 1 tbsp sesame oil for garnish
• ▢ 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted, for garnish
• ▢ 4 green onions sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
• Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
• Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
• Serve the chicken over steamed rice, and garnish with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by varying the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar. Add vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.