Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki: An Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself, Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki is your answer. This savory, sweet, and slightly tangy dish brings together tender chicken, a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, and the ease of a slow cooker. It’s an ideal recipe for busy nights, meal prep Sundays, or when you simply want a comforting dinner without standing over a stove.

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, this slow cooker chicken teriyaki simmers into a flavorful, satisfying dish that rivals any takeout.

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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki

🍗 Tender, juicy chicken simmered in flavorful teriyaki sauce
🕓 Set-it-and-forget-it cooking — no babysitting required
🥢 Healthier than takeout, with less sugar and sodium
🧄 Made with simple pantry ingredients
🍱 Great for meal prep and leftovers
🌾 Delicious over rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies

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What Is Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki?

Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki is a slow-cooked dish made with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce that blends soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame flavors. The sauce thickens into a rich glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, making it perfect to serve over rice or noodles.

This version is made from scratch, so you can skip the bottled sauce and control the ingredients — no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives here!

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 4–6.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground)
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced bell peppers
• Snow peas or broccoli florets
• Pineapple chunks
• Shredded carrots

These can be added in the last hour of cooking for a veggie boost.

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How to Make Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. If desired, brown the chicken quickly in a skillet with olive oil (about 2 minutes per side). This step is optional but adds extra flavor.

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Step 2: Add to Crockpot

Place the chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker.

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the teriyaki sauce ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sriracha/red pepper flakes (if using)

Pour the sauce over the chicken.

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Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on:

• LOW for 5–6 hours
• HIGH for 2½–3 hours

Chicken is done when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork.

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Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Turn the heat to HIGH and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. You can also do this step in a saucepan on the stove for faster results.

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Step 5: Shred Chicken and Serve

Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crockpot. Stir to coat in the thickened teriyaki sauce.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

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How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki

This slow cooker chicken teriyaki is super versatile! Serve it over:

🍚 Steamed white or brown rice
🍜 Lo mein or soba noodles
🥦 Stir-fried vegetables
🥬 Lettuce wraps or grain bowls
🍍 Coconut rice or pineapple fried rice for a tropical twist

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Tips for Best Results

✅ Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor
✅ Brown the chicken for richer taste (optional but worth it)
✅ Don’t overcook — check doneness at 2½ hours on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW
✅ Add veggies toward the end to avoid mushiness
✅ For a sticky glaze, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry

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Make It Ahead or Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals:

🕒 Make Ahead:

• Prepare sauce and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Add to chicken in the slow cooker when ready

🍱 Meal Prep:

• Portion into containers with rice and veggies
• Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months

To reheat, warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

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Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 22g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 750mg

Nutrition will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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Variations and Substitutions

🍍 Hawaiian Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks and a splash of pineapple juice
🧄 Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic for extra bold flavor
🍗 Teriyaki Drumsticks or Wings: Use bone-in chicken; cook 6–7 hours on LOW
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha or a chopped Thai chili
🥬 Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
🌱 Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu cubes or jackfruit

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s safer to thaw it first before adding to the crockpot to ensure even cooking.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can reduce it on the stovetop or let it simmer uncovered in the crockpot.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

You can, but homemade is healthier, fresher, and easy to customize.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Effortless slow cooker method
✅ Customizable flavors and ingredients
✅ Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
✅ Delivers restaurant-style flavor at home
✅ Perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd

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Final Thoughts: Easy, Flavorful, and Always a Hit

Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki brings together everything we love in a weeknight meal — it’s easy, hearty, delicious, and full of flavor. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it to your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this slow cooker favorite checks all the boxes. Comforting, crave-worthy, and way better than takeout.

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