Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is the ultimate weeknight hero—tender, juicy chicken simmered slowly in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s ridiculously easy to make, requires minimal effort, and tastes like takeout (but better and healthier!). Serve it over a warm bed of rice, spoon over that glossy sauce, and you’ve got a cozy dinner that’ll win everyone over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It: Let your Crock-Pot do all the work while you handle your day. No babysitting required.
• Big Flavors, Simple Ingredients: The sauce is a magical mix of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Family Favorite: This one’s always a hit, even with picky eaters.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this crowd-pleaser:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces. Thighs will be more tender, but breasts work great too.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce as it cooks.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade if you prefer. Go for a thicker sauce for best results.
• Brown Sugar: This balances the salty soy base with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a bold, aromatic punch.

Variations

There are so many ways to make this dish your own:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a full one-pot meal.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for heat.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Throw in a handful of pineapple chunks to add a sweet, tropical twist.
• Swap the Protein: This sauce works beautifully with pork or tofu if you want to change things up.

How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your Crock-Pot. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Spoon the chicken over a hot bowl of rice. Don’t forget to drizzle plenty of that sweet and savory sauce on top—it’s liquid gold.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Dicing your chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out if left too long. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use Low-Sodium Teriyaki: If you’re watching salt levels, go with a low-sodium sauce to keep it balanced.

How to Serve

This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is super versatile and goes with just about anything. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

Over Rice

Classic and comforting. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully.

With Noodles

Toss the chicken and sauce over lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.

In a Bowl

Make a rice bowl with steamed veggies, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Lettuce Wraps

Serve it in lettuce cups for a light and fresh option, especially if you’re going low-carb.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor only gets better overnight!

Freezing

Yes, it freezes great! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crock-Pot?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw your chicken completely before cooking.

What’s the best kind of teriyaki sauce to use?
A thicker teriyaki sauce will coat the chicken better and result in a richer glaze. Look for one with simple ingredients, or make your own if you like full control over flavor and sodium.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in a skillet until browned, add the sauce, and simmer until everything is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce (many brands offer this) and double-check your chicken broth. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something flavorful, comforting, and insanely easy to make, this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is exactly what you need. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that fits perfectly into any busy schedule—and once you try it, it just might earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Give it a go and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!

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