Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or in wraps, this dish is incredibly versatile and makes for a meal everyone will love.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you don’t have to babysit the stove.

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• Tender Chicken: The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it slow-cooks in the flavorful teriyaki sauce.

• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, and add-ins to suit your tastes.

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• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making a big batch ahead of time, especially for busy weekdays or meal prep for the week.

• Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful sauce is something that everyone—from kids to adults—will enjoy.

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the Crock Pot. You can use whole pieces, or if you prefer smaller pieces, you can chop them into large chunks.

2. If you’re using chicken breasts, keep in mind that they may dry out faster than thighs, so thighs are often recommended for a juicier result. However, chicken breasts will still work great if you follow the instructions carefully.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the following ingredients to create your teriyaki sauce:

• 1 cup of teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2–3 cloves of minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if you prefer a hint of heat)

Tip: If you have a favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce, you can absolutely use it for ease. However, homemade teriyaki sauce will add a deeper, fresher flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

2. Set the Crock Pot to cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The key here is to let the chicken cook slowly, which helps it absorb the flavors of the sauce while remaining tender and juicy.

3. If you’re cooking on low, check the chicken after about 6 hours for doneness. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when you poke it with a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. About 30 minutes before serving, take the chicken out of the Crock Pot and set it aside. The next step is to thicken the sauce.

2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until smooth, then pour this slurry into the sauce in the Crock Pot.

3. Stir the sauce well to incorporate the cornstarch slurry. Cover the Crock Pot again and cook on high for the next 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to a rich, glossy consistency.

Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

1. After the sauce has thickened, shred the chicken using two forks. You can do this directly in the slow cooker, allowing the shredded chicken to soak up the sauce.

2. Once the chicken is shredded, stir it in the sauce to ensure that it is well-coated with the flavorful teriyaki sauce.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice (white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice work great).

• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.

🔄 Variations and Tips for Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

While this recipe is already super customizable, here are some ways you can adapt it to fit your preferences:

1. Add Vegetables

For a one-pot meal, you can toss some vegetables into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Here are some great options:

• Broccoli: Add fresh florets during the last 30 minutes to keep them tender-crisp.

• Bell Peppers: Slice and add them in the last 45 minutes for a sweet, colorful touch.

• Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots can be added early on, as they hold up well in the slow cooker.

• Snap Peas: Add them in the last 20 minutes for a burst of color and crunch.

2. Substitute Chicken with Other Proteins

While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can also use other proteins:

• Pork: Pork tenderloin or pork chops would also work well. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted based on the thickness of the meat.

• Tofu: For a vegetarian version, you can use extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess water, cut it into cubes, and add it to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

3. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki chicken, you can add a little more honey or brown sugar to the sauce. On the other hand, if you like a more savory flavor, reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.

4. Low-Sodium Option

To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium soy sauce and ensure that your teriyaki sauce is low-sodium as well. You can also control the amount of soy sauce added to the sauce mixture to suit your needs.

5. Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or include a small diced jalapeño or chili paste to the sauce for extra spice.

6. Make It Gluten-Free

To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check the teriyaki sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so the dish will remain suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

🍽️ What to Serve With Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with many sides to create a complete, satisfying meal. Here are a few options:

1. Rice

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: This is the classic pairing. The rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce, making every bite a delight.

• Fried Rice: For a twist, serve the chicken on a bed of fried rice, which can be made ahead of time with leftover rice.

2. Vegetables

• Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers makes for a vibrant and healthy side dish.

• Sautéed Greens: Sauté some spinach, kale, or bok choy with garlic and a splash of soy sauce for a savory side.

3. Noodles

• Asian Noodles: Serve the teriyaki chicken over noodles like soba, udon, or rice noodles for a delicious twist.

4. Salads

• Asian-Inspired Salad: A light and fresh salad with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing pairs well with the rich, savory chicken.

• Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort and a little patience, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner that will satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep, leftovers, or even making extra to freeze for later.