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Juicy slow cooker teriyaki chicken served on a plate with steamed rice and colorful vegetables

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Your New Go-To for Easy Weeknights!

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Discover how to make delicious and tender Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, an easy weeknight dinner solution packed with savory flavors. Perfect for busy schedules, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Ideal for serving over steamed rice and vegetables, it’s a family favorite that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
  • Cooked rice or steamed vegetables to serve alongside

Instructions

  1. Start by trimming excess fat from the chicken and cutting it into evenly sized pieces if using breasts. Place the chicken in the slow cooker for an even cook and tender texture.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The chicken will become tender and infused with the rich teriyaki flavors. For faster cooking, check doneness around the 2-hour mark on high.
  4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked. Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry and stir it into the crockpot. Turn to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Return the chicken to the crockpot if you thickened the sauce, then toss lightly. Serve over steamed rice or vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but watch the cooking time to prevent overcooking and dryness.
  • For gluten-free dietary needs, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using tamari)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg