© Original recipe by The Culinary Delight ©
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Quick Dinners 🍗✨🌿
1. Introduction
Looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s both flavorful and effortless? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a tasty, tender, and juicy dish without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. Using a slow cooker, you can infuse the chicken with rich teriyaki flavors while freeing up your time to focus on other chores or relaxation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this slow cooker chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Preparing the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This flavorful sauce is the heart of the dish and will tenderize and marinate the chicken during the slow cooking process.
Cooking the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the Crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Thickening the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Turn the Crockpot to high, and stir in the slurry. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
Serving the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Serve the tender chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables. Drizzle with the thickened sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
4. Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for moister, more flavorful results, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the honey or soy sauce amounts to suit your taste.
- Save the leftover sauce to use as a stir-fry glaze or dipping sauce.
- For added vegetables, toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The sauce may thicken upon standing; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
6. Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Pair with fluffy steamed rice or serve over quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to elevate presentation.
- Enjoy with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple Asian salad for a complete dinner.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice as they stay moist and flavorful during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Can I substitute soy sauce?
Absolutely! You can use coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free option that still provides a rich umami flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?
The total active prep time is about 10 minutes, with a slow cook time of 4-8 hours depending on your chosen setting.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweet and savory flavors appeal to children, and you can control the saltiness to suit your family’s palate.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Upgrade your cooking experience with these essential tools:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quick side dishes or reheating leftovers with crispiness.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – This spacious slow cooker ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, making it ideal for this slow cooker chicken recipe.
- T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set – Get nonstick convenience for preparing accompanying vegetables or rice.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – Great for finishing your meal with grilled vegetables or even crispy toppings.
9. Conclusion
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers a simple, delicious way to enjoy a flavorful Asian-inspired dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to create a wholesome easy dinner recipe that will satisfy the whole family. With tender meat coated in savory sweet sauce, it’s a meal you’ll love to prepare again and again. Explore other meal ideas and kitchen tools to enhance your cooking experience and make every dinner a delight!
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Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Quick Dinners
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is an effortless, flavor-packed dish simmered to tender perfection, easy to serve over rice or noodles.
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl; pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Optional: Remove chicken, stir in cornstarch dissolved in water, and cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken sauce.
- Serve over steamed rice topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing honey or brown sugar.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (ensure soy sauce is gluten-free)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg