Name: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); Teriyaki Sauce: ¾ cup soy sauce (low-sodium or gluten-free); ½ cup honey (or brown sugar); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; ¼ cup mirin (optional, adds sweetness); ½ tsp powdered ginger; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sesame oil; Thickening Agent: 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water

There’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is one of those recipes that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the chicken to absorb all the sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce. The result? Tender, juicy shredded chicken coated in a thick, glossy, homemade sauce that is perfect over a bowl of rice or tucked into lettuce wraps.

One of the best things about this recipe is its set-it-and-forget-it nature. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or someone who simply loves an easy dinner, this dish has you covered. Unlike store-bought teriyaki sauces that often contain artificial ingredients and preservatives, this recipe uses natural, wholesome ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and fresh aromatics to achieve that classic teriyaki taste.

Teriyaki chicken is a staple in many Asian-inspired dishes, but making it in a slow cooker takes the convenience factor to a whole new level. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring the stove—just throw everything into the crock pot and let time do the work. And the best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, wrap it in a tortilla, toss it into a salad, or use it in a stir-fry—the possibilities are endless.

If you’ve ever struggled with dry or bland slow cooker chicken, you’ll love how moist and flavorful this dish turns out. Plus, with a quick cornstarch slurry at the end, the sauce thickens up beautifully, giving you that luscious, sticky texture that makes teriyaki chicken so irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a total game-changer, and here’s why:

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, infusing the chicken with deep, rich teriyaki flavors while you go about your day.
Incredibly Tender Chicken: Cooking chicken low and slow ensures it stays juicy and tender, practically falling apart when shredded.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a big batch, so you’ll have delicious leftovers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Healthier Than Takeout: Many restaurant-style teriyaki dishes are loaded with sugar and sodium. This homemade version is made with real ingredients and can be adjusted to suit your dietary needs.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in a wrap, on a salad, or even in a stir-fry. It pairs well with so many different dishes.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory combination is a hit with both adults and kids. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to new flavors without overwhelming their taste buds.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like a little heat, a hint of citrus, or a touch of extra garlic, this recipe is super adaptable to your personal preferences.

If you’re looking for a foolproof dinner that everyone will love, this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the answer. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Health Benefits

Aside from being incredibly delicious, this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken also packs a nutritional punch. Here’s why this dish is a healthier choice compared to takeout versions:

High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles, keeps you full longer, and supports overall health.
Low in Fat: Unlike fried teriyaki chicken, this slow cooker version is much lower in fat since it doesn’t require frying or added oils.
Natural Sweeteners: Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe relies on honey, which contains antioxidants and offers a more natural source of sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: By using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this dish can be easily adapted for those with gluten sensitivities.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Ingredients like garlic and ginger provide immune-boosting properties, while soy sauce adds important minerals like iron and potassium.
Balanced Macros: With a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, this dish provides the energy you need without the heavy, greasy feeling of takeout.

By making this teriyaki chicken at home, you’re in control of the ingredients, ensuring you get a delicious and nutritious meal without unnecessary additives.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (or 3 hours 5 minutes on high)
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 228 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 3g
Sodium: 1404mg
Sugar: 20g

This recipe makes a generous batch, so if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, you can freeze leftovers for an easy future meal.

Ingredients List

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¾ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium or gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup honey (or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds tang and balances the sweetness)
- ¼ cup mirin (a sweet Japanese cooking wine, optional but highly recommended)
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for that classic teriyaki depth)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (can be replaced with tapioca or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch and create a slurry)

Having all the ingredients pre-measured will make this process even smoother.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Sauce – In the slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil until well combined. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken to cook in.
Add the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts directly into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. There’s no need to sear or brown them beforehand.
Cook – Cover the slow cooker and cook:
- Low setting: 6 hours for maximum tenderness
- High setting: 3 hours if you’re short on time
Shred the Chicken – Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for quicker shredding.
Thicken the Sauce – Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Combine & Serve – Toss half of the thickened sauce with the shredded chicken. Reserve the rest for drizzling over rice or using as a dipping sauce.

How to Serve

This teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile:

Over steamed rice for a simple, classic meal
In lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option
Stuffed in tortillas for a fun teriyaki taco twist
Topped on stir-fried vegetables for a balanced, nutritious dish

Pairing Suggestions

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced meal or looking to elevate your dish with complementary flavors, here are some of the best ways to serve this delicious teriyaki chicken:

Steamed Rice: Classic white or brown rice soaks up the rich teriyaki sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. If you prefer something lighter, try cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Fried Rice: Take your meal up a notch by serving the teriyaki chicken over homemade fried rice. A simple mix of rice, peas, carrots, scrambled eggs, and a bit of soy sauce makes for a perfect pairing.
Noodles: Toss the shredded chicken with lo mein noodles, ramen, or soba noodles for an easy and delicious teriyaki noodle bowl.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce with crisp-tender veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms. A quick stir-fry with a bit of sesame oil and garlic enhances the flavors beautifully.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb and fresh alternative, serve the shredded chicken in butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Add crunchy toppings like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
Quinoa or Whole Grains: If you’re looking for a more nutrient-dense base, quinoa, farro, or bulgur work well with teriyaki chicken and absorb the sauce just like rice.
Asian Slaw: A crisp and tangy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings: If you’re serving this dish as part of an Asian-inspired meal, consider adding crispy egg rolls or dumplings on the side for extra variety.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with teriyaki chicken, adding depth to the dish.
Miso Soup or Clear Broth Soup: A light, warm soup makes a comforting addition to this dish, especially if you’re serving it on a chilly evening.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is how well it stores. Whether you’re planning to meal prep for the week or freeze leftovers for later, here’s how to keep your chicken fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration:

Store the cooked and shredded teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Keep the teriyaki sauce separate if possible, so you can add extra moisture when reheating.

Freezing:

Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
Place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date so you know when to use it.

Reheating:

From the refrigerator: Warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or reserved teriyaki sauce if needed to restore moisture.
From the freezer: Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the stovetop method or microwave for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.
Oven Method: If reheating a larger batch, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Traditional teriyaki sauce is balanced with sweet and acidic components. If you add too much soy sauce, the dish can become overly salty. Always measure your ingredients and use low-sodium soy sauce if possible.
Not Thicken the Sauce Properly: The sauce needs to be thickened with a cornstarch slurry to achieve that glossy, sticky texture. Make sure to bring the sauce to a simmer before adding the slurry, and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
Overcooking the Chicken: While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the chicken too long can cause it to dry out. Stick to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high for the best texture.

Pro Tips

Want to take your teriyaki chicken to the next level? Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:

For Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
Crispier Option: If you prefer a crispy texture, place the shredded chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with some teriyaki sauce, and broil for 2-3 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Add Fresh Garlic and Ginger: While garlic and ginger powder work well, using fresh minced garlic and grated ginger will make the sauce even more aromatic and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for more even cooking. Using frozen chicken may result in excess moisture, making the sauce thinner.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Remove the chicken, thicken the sauce using the sauté function, then shred and combine.

What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute honey with brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight dinner routine. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious, homemade teriyaki dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and absorbs every bit of that sweet and savory teriyaki goodness.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know how you served it. Share your photos on social media and tag me—I love seeing your kitchen creations! Happy cooking!