Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken 🍗🥢🔥
Looking for an easy dinner that is packed with sweet and savory flavor? This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
Tender chicken slowly cooks in a delicious homemade-style teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs all those rich flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
The best part is how easy this recipe is. Simply add the ingredients to your Crockpot, let everything cook slowly, and finish with a thick, glossy teriyaki sauce.
Serve this flavorful chicken over fluffy white rice with steamed broccoli for a simple family dinner that tastes better than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This easy Crockpot chicken recipe checks all the boxes for a busy family meal:
- 🍗 Tender and juicy chicken
- 🥢 Sweet and savory teriyaki flavor
- 🧄 Fresh garlic and ginger
- 🍯 Naturally sweet honey
- 🫕 Easy slow cooker preparation
- ⏰ Minimal hands-on cooking
- 🍚 Perfect over rice
- 🥦 Delicious with vegetables
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
- 💰 Easy ingredients
- 🔥 Great alternative to takeout
Ingredients
For this easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes
For serving, you can add:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts directly into the slow cooker.
Chicken thighs are especially good for slow cooking because they tend to remain tender and juicy.
If you’re using chicken breasts, try to use pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Water
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
Mix until everything is well combined.
The combination of salty soy sauce, sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger creates the signature teriyaki flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour the teriyaki mixture over the chicken.
Use a spoon to coat the chicken evenly.
There’s no need to completely submerge the chicken.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the Crockpot and cook on:
LOW for 4–6 hours
or
HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
You can either:
- Shred it with two forks
- Slice it into pieces
- Serve the chicken pieces whole
Shredded chicken works particularly well with rice because it absorbs plenty of the teriyaki sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan if desired.
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry.
Bring the cooking liquid to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce.
Toss gently until the chicken is completely coated.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve hot over rice.
What Does Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Taste Like?
This chicken has a delicious combination of sweet, salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Soy sauce provides the salty umami base.
Honey adds sweetness.
Garlic and ginger create aromatic depth.
Rice vinegar adds a small amount of acidity that balances the sauce.
The result is a glossy, flavorful teriyaki coating that pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables.
Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs
Both work well in this recipe.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs contain more fat and are naturally flavorful.
They tend to stay juicy during slow cooking and are excellent for shredding.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are leaner and have a mild flavor.
They work well too, but they can become dry if overcooked.
For especially tender results, keep an eye on the cooking time.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
Regular soy sauce can make the finished dish quite salty.
Low-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the final flavor.
Use Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a bright, aromatic flavor that dried ginger can’t completely replicate.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken only needs to reach 165°F (74°C).
Cooking it much longer than necessary can affect the texture.
Thicken the Sauce at the End
Adding cornstarch after cooking gives you a thicker, glossy teriyaki sauce without making the chicken overly starchy.
Taste Before Adding Extra Salt
Soy sauce already contains plenty of salt.
Taste the finished sauce before adding more.
Can I Use Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce?
Yes.
If you’re short on time, bottled teriyaki sauce is an easy shortcut.
Use approximately 1½–2 cups of your favorite teriyaki sauce and pour it over the chicken.
You can still add garlic or ginger if you’d like more flavor.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely.
Vegetables make this recipe even more complete.
Try adding:
- 🥦 Broccoli
- 🫑 Bell peppers
- 🥕 Carrots
- 🧅 Onion
- 🫛 Snow peas
- 🥬 Green beans
For the best texture, add quick-cooking vegetables toward the end of cooking.
Can I Make It Spicy?
Definitely.
For spicy teriyaki chicken, add:
- 🌶️ Red pepper flakes
- 🌶️ Sriracha-style hot sauce
- 🌶️ Cayenne pepper
- 🌶️ Fresh sliced chili peppers
Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Easy Variations
Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken
Add extra honey and garlic for a sweeter, more pronounced garlic flavor.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Add pineapple chunks during the final part of cooking.
The sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
Serve the finished chicken over steamed broccoli and rice.
Sesame Teriyaki Chicken
Add toasted sesame seeds and a small drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken
This chicken pairs perfectly with simple Asian-inspired sides.
Try serving it with:
- 🍚 Steamed white rice
- 🍚 Jasmine rice
- 🍚 Brown rice
- 🍜 Noodles
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli
- 🥕 Stir-fried vegetables
- 🫛 Snow peas
- 🥗 Asian-style slaw
- 🥒 Cucumber salad
For a simple dinner, serve the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Turn this recipe into easy homemade teriyaki bowls.
Start with a bowl of cooked rice.
Add shredded teriyaki chicken.
Then add steamed broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or edamame.
Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.
Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
It’s an easy meal-prep option that stores well in individual containers.
How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Chicken
Allow leftovers to cool promptly.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Enjoy within 3–4 days.
Keep the chicken stored with some of the sauce to help maintain moisture.
How to Reheat
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low to medium heat.
Add a small splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between intervals.
Can You Freeze Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes.
Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely.
Place the chicken and sauce into an airtight freezer-safe container.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for slow cooking and tend to stay juicy.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, but avoid overcooking them.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes. Bottled teriyaki sauce is a convenient shortcut.
How long does teriyaki chicken take in a slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on the chicken pieces and your slow cooker.
What temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I add pineapple?
Yes. Pineapple adds a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh chili peppers.
How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and cold water, then simmer it with the cooking liquid until thickened.
Can I serve it with noodles?
Definitely. Rice noodles, ramen-style noodles, or stir-fried noodles can all work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it with the sauce. Reheat gently before serving.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, water, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and shred or slice.
- Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water.
- Whisk the slurry into the simmering cooking liquid.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tender chicken slowly cooks in a sweet and savory combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Once the chicken is cooked, the flavorful liquid can be transformed into a glossy teriyaki sauce that coats every bite.
Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli, or turn it into colorful teriyaki chicken bowls with your favorite vegetables.
It’s simple, comforting, family-friendly, and perfect for those nights when takeout sounds tempting but you want something homemade instead.
If you love easy Crockpot chicken recipes, teriyaki chicken, slow cooker dinners, Asian-inspired recipes, and quick family meals, this recipe is definitely worth saving.
Save this easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken for your next busy weeknight! 🍗🥢🔥
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This easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken features tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.