Introduction
If you love meals that are easy to prepare but packed with flavor, then Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is one recipe you will want to keep in your regular rotation. Slow cooking chicken in a rich teriyaki sauce allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy while soaking up all those wonderful sweet and savory flavors.
The beauty of this recipe is that it requires very little hands-on time. You just combine simple ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the magic for you. This makes it ideal for busy weekdays, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Plus, the ingredients are common pantry staples which makes this dish budget-friendly and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or new to slow cooking, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.
It is perfect served over rice or noodles and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. If you have never tried making teriyaki chicken in a crock pot before, now is a great time to start. This recipe will become your go-to comfort food that feels special but requires almost no effort.
Ingredients Needed
To make the best Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you need just a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a deeply flavorful sauce and perfectly tender chicken.
Using chicken thighs is recommended because they stay moist and absorb the sauce better, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
The sauce is a classic combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little vinegar to balance the sweetness. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce at the end for that glossy finish you expect from teriyaki.
Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add a nice fresh touch and texture.
Here is a table with the ingredients and approximate calorie counts for the whole recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 2 pounds (900 grams) | 860 |
| Soy sauce | ½ cup | 55 |
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup | 270 |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | 128 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 | 13 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon | 5 |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons | 6 |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | 60 |
| Water | ¼ cup | 0 |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 52 |
| Green onions (optional, chopped) | 2 | 10 |
These ingredients combine to give you a perfectly balanced teriyaki flavor that is sweet, salty, and a little tangy. The calorie count is moderate and you can enjoy this meal guilt free when served with your favorite sides.
Read More: Fall-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly simple and requires very little prep.
Start by mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth.
Next, place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken so every piece is coated.
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for five to six hours. This slow cooking time lets the chicken absorb all the teriyaki flavors while becoming tender enough to fall apart easily.
If you are short on time, cooking on high for three to four hours works too but low and slow gives the best texture.
About thirty minutes before the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the crock pot and gently stir it in.
Replace the lid and allow it to cook on high for the last 20 to 30 minutes. This step thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
When ready to serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and a fresh finish. The whole process is hands-off but yields restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken you will want to make again and again.
Read More: Simple and Tasty Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs that works fine just keep an eye on cooking time since breasts can dry out more quickly.
Vegetables can be added too. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots about halfway through the cooking process for a one-pot meal with extra nutrients.
If you like things spicy, a little red pepper flakes or sriracha stirred into the sauce will give it a nice kick.
For those who need gluten-free options, tamari sauce makes a great substitute for soy sauce.
Another tip is to double the sauce if you prefer your chicken saucier or want some extra to drizzle over rice.
For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu can replace chicken and soak up the teriyaki just as well.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Nutritional Information
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also packed with protein and relatively low in fat.
A typical serving provides around 350 calories which makes it a satisfying yet balanced meal.
The chicken supplies about 35 grams of protein, helping you stay full and energized.
Carbohydrates come mainly from the brown sugar and honey in the sauce, but the total amount remains moderate at around 28 grams per serving.
This includes about 20 grams of natural sugars.
Fat content is low to moderate depending on the cut of chicken used.
Sodium can be higher because of the soy sauce, so consider choosing low sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
Fiber is low but can be increased by serving with vegetables or whole grains.
Overall this dish fits well into a healthy diet and satisfies cravings for something sweet and savory.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is easy and versatile.
The classic pairing is with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
If you want to keep the meal lighter, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad with an Asian-style dressing.
Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make great sides and add color and crunch.
For a quick dinner, toss the chicken and sauce with cooked noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious teriyaki noodle bowl.
You can also wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that is fresh and tasty.
A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevates the dish and adds brightness.
Read More: Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Conclusion
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect example of comfort food that is simple, delicious, and convenient.
With just a few common ingredients and minimal effort, you get tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress family and friends alike.
The slow cooker does most of the work for you which makes this recipe ideal for busy people who still want to enjoy home-cooked meals.
Its versatility means you can adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Whether you are serving it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish brings a taste of homemade teriyaki to your table.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours but really took minutes to prepare.