There is nothing quite as comforting and delightfully flavorful as a homemade Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe that melts in your mouth and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This dish effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky notes, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends without fuss, this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe has you covered with its simplicity and richness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the sauce’s glossy sweetness to ensuring tender, flavorful chicken that practically falls apart.
- 1 lb chicken, diced: Using bite-sized pieces helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor that keeps the chicken juicy.
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce: The star of the dish, it brings that classic tangy and savory teriyaki flavor.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the savory and garlic elements.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a gentle kick of zest.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by combining the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a large bowl. This mixture forms the lush sauce that will soak into the chicken as it cooks low and slow, marrying all the flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to your sauce bowl and toss everything until every piece is evenly coated. This step ensures each chicken bite will be juicy and full of that signature teriyaki taste.
Step 3: Transfer to Crock-Pot
Pour the saucy chicken mixture into your Crock-Pot. This set-it-and-forget-it step means your kitchen will soon be filled with mouthwatering smells without any extra effort.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crock-Pot on low and cook for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully, allowing it to soak up the rich sauce while becoming incredibly tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your chicken teriyaki piping hot over freshly cooked rice, making sure to spoon some of that luscious extra sauce over the top for an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a wonderful crunch and pop of color, giving your Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe a vibrant, professional touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, which add freshness and a little crunch to complement the rich, tender chicken. Simple fried rice or even a light cucumber salad can round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving your Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe in lettuce wraps or over a bed of noodles for a noodle bowl twist. You can also pack it into meal prep containers for a delicious lunch that’s ready to go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this meal ahead on a bigger scale, it freezes well. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if it looks dry, ensuring the tender texture and luscious sauce stay just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and juicy, and they hold up well to slow cooking, making your Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe extra flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free, and the dish will be safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock-Pot?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking can add texture and nutrition without overcooking them.
How thick should the sauce be when serving?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken at the end and simmer the remaining liquid on high in the Crock-Pot or a saucepan until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Yes, the Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe a try—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a slow-cooking enthusiast. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection and a family favorite that’s both comforting and exciting.
Print
Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory teriyaki sauce with garlic and brown sugar. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and results in juicy, flavorful chicken served best over hot cooked rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken, diced
Teriyaki Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic cloves. Mix well until the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a flavorful sauce base.
- Coat Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce.
- Transfer to Crock-Pot: Pour the coated chicken along with the sauce into the Crock-Pot, spreading it out evenly to promote even cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and infused with the teriyaki flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot over freshly cooked rice, spooning any extra sauce from the Crock-Pot over the top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reduces to desired consistency.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of diced chicken breast for more flavorful and juicier meat.
- Served best with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
