Imagine the sweet and savory aroma of teriyaki sauce filling your kitchen, coating tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is so simple, it’s practically foolproof, and the result is a flavorful, healthy meal your whole family will adore. I promise, even on the busiest weeknights, you can have a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort!
The Secret’s in the Sauce (and the Slow Cooker!) – Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¾ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving (optional):
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Steamed broccoli or other vegetables
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
Okay, friend, let’s be real. We all need those go-to recipes that are easy, delicious, and require minimal effort, right? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is *exactly* that. I’m talking about those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth you’re going to make, and the thought of takeout starts to sound REALLY appealing. But hold on! Before you reach for your phone, remember this recipe. It’s a lifesaver!
I especially love that it’s perfect for families with kids. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a definite crowd-pleaser for picky eaters. And if you’re looking for more Crock Pot Meals For Kids, this one should be at the top of your list. The sweetness of the sauce makes it appealing, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit their taste. Plus, sneaking in some veggies on the side is a breeze!
Another reason I’m obsessed? Clean up is a snap. You’re essentially throwing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do its thing. We’re talking minimal dishes, people! And speaking of easy cleanup, this is one of the reasons why I’m always on the lookout for the next Dump And Go Instant Pot Recipes, too. Although this one is specifically for the crockpot, I’m always open to finding the quickest methods available for my meals.
Step-by-Step to Teriyaki Chicken Perfection
Prep the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch). This helps it cook evenly and absorb all that delicious teriyaki flavor. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-cut chicken tenders!
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Whisk Together the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add water and whisk until cornstarch is dissolved. This will prevent lumps in the sauce.
Combine and Cook:
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir to make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove about ½ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and whisk it with an additional 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken quickly!
Serve and Enjoy!:
- Serve the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken over cooked rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables.
- Dig in and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Mastery
Alright, let’s talk about some insider tips to take your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken to the next level. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that can make all the difference!
- Chicken Choice: While I typically use chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker, chicken breasts work just fine too! Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
- Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch or skip the thickening step altogether.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables directly to the slow cooker! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sliced onions all work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little heat? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Leftovers: Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s also delicious in lettuce wraps or as a filling for tacos!
Crockpot Size Matters (Especially for Small Crock Pot Recipes!)
When it comes to slow cooking, size does matter! Especially if you’re working with a smaller batch, like this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe, choosing the right crockpot size can make a big difference.
If you are looking for Small Crock Pot Recipes, you will want to be sure you are using a smaller crock pot of 2-4 quarts. If your crock pot is too large for the amount of food you are putting in it, the food can cook faster and dry out more easily. This recipe is pretty forgiving but if you’re making a smaller batch than directed, definitely downsize the appliance, too. I have a small 2-quart crockpot that I use all the time for these types of small meals.
More Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re loving the ease and flavor of this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, you’re in for a treat! There are so many other amazing chicken recipes you can whip up in your slow cooker. Here are a few of my favorites:
- For ultimate comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Chicken And Gravy. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice.
- If you are looking for a dish with a kick, try Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. The rich bourbon flavor complements the chicken beautifully.
- For an Indian-inspired delight, Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Irresistible is a must-try. The creamy tomato-based sauce is packed with flavor and spice.
- If you love pasta, Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a decadent and satisfying option. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.
- And for a truly versatile dish, Creamy Crockpot Chicken is your answer. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in sandwiches!
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Crockpot Magic!
So there you have it: a foolproof recipe for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a delicious and easy meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry. Chicken thighs are typically recommended because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
What size crockpot is best for this recipe, especially if I’m making a smaller batch?
If you are making a smaller batch, use a smaller crockpot of 2-4 quarts. If your crockpot is too large, the food can cook faster and dry out more easily.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables directly to the slow cooker! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sliced onions all work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Easy Meal
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Medium bowl
- Fork
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Steamed broccoli or other vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch).
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add water and whisk until cornstarch is dissolved.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir to make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove about ½ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and whisk it with an additional 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken over cooked rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables.
