If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in every bite, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully balanced blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that slowly cook together to create juicy, tender chicken thighs soaked in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce. What makes this recipe a true winner is its simplicity combined with that incredible depth of flavor you get from fresh garlic and ginger, plus the subtle nuttiness from sesame oil. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a low-maintenance weekend treat, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll return to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor right in this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role. From the savory soy sauce base to the brightness of rice vinegar and the natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar, every ingredient adds a layer that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds up wonderfully to slow cooking.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that brings the classic teriyaki flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a rich molasses hint for extra complexity.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a gentle nutty aroma that feels so authentic in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a warm, pungent kick that complements the ginger perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds fresh zing and slight heat, lifting the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to add depth without overshadowing other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch to make a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Brings fresh color and mild onion flavor as a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by placing your chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they’re spread out evenly for uniform cooking. Then, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce mixture is where the magic begins, blending sweet, tangy, and savory elements that will soak right into the meat as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover the crockpot, and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. The slow and gentle cooking melts the chicken thighs into a tender, juicy texture while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen—hinting at the delicious meal ahead!
Step 3: Shred and Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred or slice as you prefer. Next, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step will thicken that luscious sauce to a perfect glaze, coating every bit of chicken in shiny, irresistible goodness.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss it well with the thickened sauce to ensure each piece is coated in that sticky, flavorful teriyaki goodness. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a touch of crunch, eye-catching color, and fresh flavor that takes this dish right over the top.
How to Serve Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your dish really gets to shine visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch and nutty aroma, while sliced green onions bring a crisp freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and create a delightful contrast in every forkful.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe pairs incredibly well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, soaking up the sauce like a dream. For a balanced meal, throw together some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for vibrant color, texture, and extra nutrients. The crisp veggies offer a refreshing counterpoint to the tender, flavorful chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Serve this teriyaki chicken over crisp lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option that’s perfect for parties. Or create a colorful bowl with quinoa, avocado, shredded carrots, and edamame for a healthy, filling twist. No matter how you choose to plate it, this recipe always shines with its vibrant flavor and hearty satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week without compromising on taste.
Freezing
If you want to save even more time, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Just transfer your cooked chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chicken and sauce gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, ensuring each bite remains moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted if you prefer leaner meat. Just note that thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking and offer a richer flavor, but breasts will work fine—just keep an eye on cooking times to avoid drying out.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to the stovetop by simmering the sauce and chicken in a covered pan over low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender. Be sure to shred and thicken the sauce as directed for that classic teriyaki texture.
Can I add vegetables directly into the crockpot with the chicken?
You can, but some vegetables might get too soft after several hours of slow cooking. If you want crisp-tender veggies, it’s best to stir-fry them separately and serve alongside the chicken to maintain their texture and color.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?
Using low-sodium soy sauce is key to controlling saltiness. You can also adjust sweetness with a little extra honey or brown sugar if you find the sauce leaning salty. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
The leftover teriyaki sauce is too delicious to waste! Use it as a marinade for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for dumplings, or drizzle it over steamed vegetables or rice bowls for an extra flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to try this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe soon—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how deeply satisfying the flavors are. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Once you taste the tender chicken coated in that perfectly thickened, sweet-savory sauce, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for busy days or casual dinners with friends and family.
Print
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, the chicken is cooked low and slow, then shredded and tossed in a thickened sweet and savory sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a comforting Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it into bite-sized pieces or slice as preferred; set aside.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce left in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Combine and garnish: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss it in the thickened teriyaki sauce to coat thoroughly. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve the crockpot teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or your choice of noodles, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor and tenderness, use chicken thighs rather than breasts, though breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Ensure not to skip the thickening step for a perfect, glossy teriyaki sauce texture.
