There’s something truly satisfying about a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. That’s exactly the case with this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. I first tried my hand at making teriyaki sauce from scratch on a busy weeknight when takeout just wouldn’t cut it. As the sweet and savory aroma of chicken thighs simmering in a blend of soy sauce, honey, and ginger began to fill my kitchen, I realized I had stumbled upon a family favorite.
Not only does this dish boast a flavor profile that rivals your favorite restaurant, but it’s also guilt-free and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you’ll serve up tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich sauce that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a dish to impress on weekends, this healthy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken will quickly become a go-to in your home. Let’s dive into the recipe and transform your dinner routine into something delightful!
Why Choose Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Effortless Cooking: Just set it, forget it, and enjoy! This dish requires minimal prep time and allows your slow cooker to do the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the flavors of takeout without the guilt. You control the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal that’s lower in sugar and sodium.
Family Favorite: With its sweet-savory sauce, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Kids and adults alike will come back for seconds!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. Don’t hesitate to add veggies for added nutrition!
Meal Prep Hero: This recipe is fantastic for leftovers. Store it in the fridge for quick lunches all week long or make it ahead for gatherings.
Make sure to check out some make-ahead tips for organizing your week’s meals efficiently!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – Tender and flavorful, boneless, skinless thighs work best, but breasts can be substituted if you prefer.
For the Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds savory umami flavors while keeping the dish healthier; use regular soy sauce if needed.
- Rice Vinegar – Balances the sweetness and acidity in the sauce; apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute.
- Honey – Provides natural sweetness to complement the soy sauce; feel free to swap in maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances the sauce’s depth and sweetness; coconut sugar is a great lower glycemic alternative.
- Garlic – Adds an aromatic touch; shallots can serve as a milder substitute if desired.
- Fresh Ginger – Infuses a warm and spicy flavor; substitute ground ginger if fresh isn’t on hand (use about 1 teaspoon).
For Thickening
- Cornstarch & Water – A simple mixture to thicken your sauce for a perfect consistency; flour can be an alternative if you need it.
For Garnish (Optional)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
- Chopped Green Onions – Freshness and color boost your dish, making it visually appealing to serve.
With these wholesome ingredients in hand, your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken will be a delicious triumph that everyone will love!
How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
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Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your 6-quart slow cooker, creating a base for the sauce to envelop them.
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Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined—this is your homemade teriyaki sauce!
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Combine: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece is well coated in that delicious mixture.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked.
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Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, and using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Thicken Sauce: Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water, then add it to the strained liquid. Heat over medium-high until bubbling and thickened.
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Combine & Serve: Toss the shredded chicken back into the sauce until well coated. Serve warm over brown rice or quinoa, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delightful touch.
Optional: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Variations
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to transform your dish into a new favorite!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute any butter used for churning with olive oil for a creamy texture without the dairy.
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Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to enjoy a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat that elevates the flavor.
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Pineapple Delight: Toss diced pineapple into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes for a sweet tropical touch that brightens the dish.
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Vegetable Medley: Mix in vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
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Ginger Boost: Increase the ginger for a bolder flavor; fresh ginger enhances the dish’s warmth and aromatic qualities.
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Coconut Twist: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative that infuses a slight sweetness.
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Sweet & Tangy: Incorporate orange juice or zest into the sauce for a sharing twist that balances sweetness with citrus brightness.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
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Timing Matters: Monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking; chicken should be tender at an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Flavor Boost: For extra nutrition and taste, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or pineapple during the last hour of cooking.
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Thaw First: Always ensure chicken is completely thawed before placing it in the slow cooker for food safety and even cooking.
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Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip on the toasted sesame seeds and green onions; they add not just flavor but also a lovely presentation to your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before serving; you can easily tweak the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar to suit your family’s preference.
Storage Tips for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken flavorful and safe to enjoy later.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist while warming.
- Do Not Refreeze: Avoid refreezing thawed chicken to maintain the best flavor and texture for your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Transform your breast of sweet-savory delight into a full meal that satisfies every palate!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture and subtle aroma of jasmine rice perfectly absorb the delicious teriyaki sauce, creating a harmonious balance.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad loaded with cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds freshness and fiber, making your meal not just delicious but nutritionally complete.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Crisp stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli offer a vibrant crunch that enhances the tender chicken, adding essential nutrients.
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Crispy Asian Slaw: This crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw tossed in a light sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet chicken, brightening the meal. It’s a playful twist that’s hard to resist!
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and umami flavors, complementing the teriyaki chicken beautifully while being light enough not to overwhelm your palate.
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Chilled Sake or Green Tea: Pair your meal with a glass of chilled sake or refreshing green tea for a delightful beverage that enhances the overall dining experience with its soothing flavor.
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Chocolate Mochi Ice Cream: For dessert, indulge in chocolate mochi ice cream! Its chewy exterior and creamy filling create a delightful finish to your savory meal, leaving everyone wanting more.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the homemade teriyaki sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to deepen. Additionally, you can place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, coat them with the sauce, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight for ultimate convenience. When you’re ready to serve, simply set your slow cooker to LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours without any extra work. To maintain the dish’s quality, make sure to cook the chicken fresh for the best texture and taste, ensuring that your family enjoys just as delicious results as a takeout option!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they are tender and flavorful. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts; just remember that breasts cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How should I store leftovers from my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it to maximize freshness!
Can I freeze Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
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How do I thicken the sauce for my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
To thicken the sauce, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together equal parts cornstarch and water, then mix it into the strained liquid. Heat the mixture over medium-high until it thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes. This will give your dish that perfect glossy finish!
What if I have a soy allergy?
If you have a soy allergy, you can substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with coconut aminos. It has a similar umami flavor but is naturally gluten-free and soy-free, making it a suitable alternative for this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or snap peas during the last hour of cooking. You can also stir in some pineapple chunks for a delightful tropical twist. Just remember to adjust your sauce ratio if you’re adding more ingredients!
Savory Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken for Effortless Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your 6-quart slow cooker, creating a base for the sauce to envelop them.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, and using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water, then add it to the strained liquid. Heat over medium-high until bubbling and thickened.
- Toss the shredded chicken back into the sauce until well coated. Serve warm over brown rice or quinoa, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.