If you’re looking for a dinner that’s incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weekdays, this Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki deserves a spot on your meal plan. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce until it’s juicy enough to shred with a fork. Serve it over fluffy rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
The best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work. Simply add the ingredients, let everything cook low and slow, and come back to a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Sweet, savory, and slightly garlicky flavor.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Freezer-friendly for future meals.
- Better than takeout with less effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
- Place the chicken evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated.
- Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the cooking sauce inside the crockpot.
- Cook for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss until fully coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Ideas
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or fresh steamed green beans. For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots on the side.
Helpful Tips
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy during slow cooking.
- Fresh ginger adds a brighter flavor than dried ginger.
- Don’t skip thickening the sauce—it creates the classic glossy teriyaki coating.
- Taste the sauce before serving and add a splash of soy sauce if you’d like a richer savory flavor.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving for extra texture.
