The magic of a slow cooker transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of sweet and savory notes is truly something special. It’s the kind of effortless cooking that makes weeknights feel a little less hectic and a lot more delicious.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken, infused with a rich teriyaki glaze, all achieved with minimal effort. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate “dump and go” meal, perfect for busy families craving a healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Reason 1 (Texture/Flavor): The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and absorbs all the delicious teriyaki flavor.
- Bold Reason 2 (Technique): It’s a true “dump meal” – simply add the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do its magic. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
- Bold Reason 3 (Result): You get a restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken dinner with minimal effort, perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prepping.
The Essential Components
Using high-quality ingredients truly elevates this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken from good to unforgettable. Fresh ginger, good quality soy sauce, and honey all contribute to a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with subpar ingredients. Don’t skimp – it’s worth it!
- Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): They stay incredibly moist in the slow cooker (essential for preventing dryness).
- Soy Sauce: Forms the base of the teriyaki sauce, providing that signature salty, umami flavor (use low-sodium to control the saltiness).
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze (balances the saltiness of the soy sauce).
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and saltiness (adds brightness and complexity).
- Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor (enhances the Asian-inspired flavors).
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that pungent, savory flavor (use fresh for the best flavor).
- Ginger (grated): Adds a warm, spicy note to the teriyaki sauce (fresh ginger is a must!).
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end (creates a beautiful, glossy glaze).
- Water: To dilute the cornstarch slurry (prevents clumps).
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and a final burst of flavor (optional, but highly recommended).
Swaps & Alternatives
Sometimes you need to make a few adjustments based on what you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions that work well:
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Level Up This Recipe
Want to take your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken to the next level? Here are a few chef’s twists to consider:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Stir in some pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tropical twist, similar to Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken.
- Grate some orange zest into the sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of mirin (sweet rice wine) for added depth and sweetness.
The Cooking Process
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to crockpot meals. From start to finish, it takes just a few minutes of prep time, followed by a few hours of slow cooking. The result is a flavorful, healthy dinner that the whole family will love.
1. Combine the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined. This creates the flavorful base for your teriyaki chicken.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in the teriyaki sauce. This ensures that the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors during the cooking process.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become. You can also try this method with Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Shred the Chicken (Optional)
If desired, shred the chicken with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened teriyaki sauce. This is a great option if you’re serving the chicken over rice or in lettuce wraps.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is also delicious served with steamed vegetables or a side salad. You can even try it with Pineapple Chicken And Rice for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bold Warning 1: Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked for too long. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Bold Warning 2: Not using enough sauce: Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the teriyaki sauce to prevent it from drying out and to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Bold Warning 3: Skipping the thickening step: The cornstarch slurry is essential for creating that glossy, restaurant-quality teriyaki glaze. Don’t skip it!
Serving Ideas
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and balanced dinner.
- Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos for a lighter option.
- Serve it over noodles for a comforting and flavorful dish.
- Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
- Consider serving it alongside Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Wings for a teriyaki feast.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for lunches or dinners. It’s a healthy and delicious way to stay on track with your eating goals. You might also enjoy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken for another easy meal prep idea.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.
What makes this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe so easy?
It’s a “dump and go” meal, meaning you simply add the ingredients to the crockpot with minimal prep and let it cook.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out in the slow cooker.
What can I use to thicken the teriyaki sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What are some ways to serve this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?
It can be served over rice, quinoa, noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables. It’s also great as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Easy Dump Dinner
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Fork
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in the teriyaki sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- If desired, shred the chicken with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
