Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Busy Days 🍽️🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe that requires minimal effort and yields flavorful results, you’ve come to the right place! This dump and go teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious, home-cooked meal. Using your crockpot chicken teriyaki, you can prepare tender, juicy chicken bathed in a savory teriyaki sauce without any fuss. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy slow cooker chicken that everyone will love!
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Since this is a dump and go teriyaki chicken recipe, simply layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. No need to pre-cook or brown the chicken, making this meal perfect for busy days.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and infused with rich teriyaki flavors.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and set aside. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir into the crockpot. Turn the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve and Garnish
Slice the chicken and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation. Serve your crockpot chicken teriyaki over steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or additional soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much.
5. Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy to create a well-rounded meal. For more cozy meal ideas, check out our Mexican street corn soup in the crockpot.
6. FAQs About Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to stay more moist and tender during slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe keto or low-sugar?
Absolutely. Swap honey for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, and choose a soy sauce with no added sugars for a keto-friendly version.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe is mostly hands-off, with prep taking about 10 minutes. The slow cooker does the rest, making it ideal for busy days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Keep leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Perfect for cooking multiple servings with ease, ensuring your crockpot chicken teriyaki turns out tender every time.
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics — Ideal for quickly reheating leftovers or adding crispy vegetables alongside your dish.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Enhances your kitchen arsenal for preparing rice, stir-fries, or side dishes to accompany your crockpot chicken teriyaki.
Investing in these kitchen tools will streamline your cooking process and make every meal more enjoyable.
8. Conclusion
This easy crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is a true game-changer for busy days, offering a flavorful, tender chicken dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dump and go teriyaki chicken is sure to become a staple in your meal repertoire. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal that everyone will love!
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Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Busy Days
A simple and flavorful crockpot chicken recipe with a rich teriyaki glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour sauce over chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Remove chicken and simmer the sauce in a saucepan with cornstarch to thicken for 5 minutes, then return chicken to crockpot and stir to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Serve over steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey/brown sugar.
- The sauce can be thickened for a more glaze-like consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
- Method: slow-cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg