CROCKPOT TERIYAKI CHICKEN PERFECTION

I can almost taste it… My family’s annual summer barbecue was always the highlight of my year, and my Aunt Carol’s teriyaki chicken was legendary. I’d watch her carefully, trying to decipher her secrets, but she’d always just wink and say, “It’s all about the love, honey!” While I never quite mastered her exact recipe, I’ve developed a version that’s incredibly close, unbelievably easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken you’ll ever make!

The Easiest Teriyaki Chicken You’ll Ever Make (Seriously!)

Okay, friends, let’s talk about dinner. And let’s talk about how sometimes, we just don’t have the energy for complicated recipes. That’s where this Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken comes in. It’s a lifesaver on those days when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: you literally dump all the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. Hours later, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love?!

I know some of you might be thinking, “Crockpot chicken? Won’t it be dry?” Trust me, with the right combination of ingredients and cooking time, this chicken comes out incredibly moist and flavorful. And the teriyaki sauce? It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. You are absolutely going to adore this recipe.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

• Effortless: Seriously, dump and go! Minimal prep work required.
• Flavorful: The teriyaki sauce is absolutely divine.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, in wraps, or even as a topping for salads.
• Kid-Friendly: My kids devour this every time!
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal.

What You’ll Need to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these in your pantry.

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture, but you can also use chicken breasts. About 2-2.5 pounds.
• Soy Sauce: This is the base of our teriyaki sauce. I usually use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Honey: For extra sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! It adds a wonderful nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is a must!
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger is best, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end.
• Water: To mix with the cornstarch.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish.
• Green Onions (optional): For garnish.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking! If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, add more honey. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is totally customizable!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the easiest part, I promise.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. If using chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If desired, you can shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
8. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

See? Told you it was easy! The hardest part is waiting for it to cook!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can be dry. If you’re using chicken breasts, check them for doneness after about 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. They should be cooked through but still moist.
• Use a Crockpot Liner: For easy cleanup, use a crockpot liner. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
• Adjust the Cooking Time: Crockpots can vary in temperature, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your crockpot tends to cook hot, start checking the chicken for doneness a little earlier.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: This is what thickens the sauce and gives it that beautiful glaze.
• Let it Rest: After thickening the sauce, let the chicken rest in the crockpot for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Teriyaki Chicken

Now that you’ve made this amazing teriyaki chicken, let’s talk about how to serve it! The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Over Rice: This is the classic way to serve teriyaki chicken, and for good reason! The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss the teriyaki chicken with your favorite noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the teriyaki chicken in lettuce wraps. Add some shredded carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts for extra crunch.
• As a Salad Topping: Top your favorite salad with teriyaki chicken for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
• In Tacos or Quesadillas: Get creative and use the teriyaki chicken as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.

Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.

Variations and Add-Ins to Spice Things Up

Want to take your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken to the next level? Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

• Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the crockpot for a tropical twist.
• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers (any color!) for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Broccoli: Add broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.
• Water Chestnuts: Add sliced water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Feel free to experiment and create your own unique version of this recipe! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about having fun and making it your own.

Other Amazing Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Try

If you love this Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite crockpot chicken recipes. They’re all just as easy and delicious!

How about whipping up a batch of CHICKEN FRIED RICE? It’s another family favorite and perfect for using up leftover rice. Or, if you’re craving something creamy and flavorful, you absolutely must try my BUTTER CHICKEN! It’s seriously divine. For a sweet and savory treat, the HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN is another amazing option. And for those who like some heat, the Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight will set your tastebuds on fire! If you are wanting a quick meal you can also use this teriyaki chicken and make my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Seriously, I have a crockpot chicken recipe for every craving! And the best part is, they’re all incredibly easy to make. Because who has time for complicated recipes these days?!

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

If you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop.

This recipe is also freezer-friendly! Simply let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.

Troubleshooting: Common Crockpot Chicken Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with the easiest recipes, sometimes things can go a little sideways. Here are a few common crockpot chicken issues and how to fix them:

• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken. Check it for doneness after about 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. If it’s already dry, you can try adding a little chicken broth or water to the crockpot to help rehydrate it.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce isn’t thickening up, make sure you’re using enough cornstarch. You can also try cooking it on high for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken.
• Chicken is Too Salty: If the chicken is too salty, try using low-sodium soy sauce in the recipe. You can also add a little honey or brown sugar to balance out the saltiness.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and learning from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to your liking!

Ready to Make the Best Teriyaki Chicken Ever?

So, there you have it! My ultimate recipe for Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. I promise, this will become a staple in your household. You’ll have everyone begging for more. And the best part is, you can feel good about serving your family a delicious and healthy meal that you made with love (and minimal effort!).

Go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love it. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I can’t wait to see your amazing teriyaki chicken masterpieces.

Happy cooking, my friend! Enjoy!

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

This Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Simply combine all ingredients in your crockpot and enjoy tender, flavorful chicken over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. The teriyaki sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish optional
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish optional
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork (for shredding, optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. If using chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently.
7. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
8. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If desired, you can shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
9. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

For easier cleanup, use a crockpot liner. To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness after 3 hours on high. If the sauce is too salty, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also add pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, water chestnuts, or mushrooms for variations.