Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier (and tastier!) with Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. This dish is everything you want in a homemade meal—juicy, tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all made with minimal effort. Imagine walking through the door after a long day to be greeted by the aroma of slow-cooked teriyaki—pure comfort.

Originating in Japan, teriyaki is a beloved cooking style that combines soy sauce, sweetness, and a touch of ginger for a flavor-packed glaze. Today, it’s a staple in homes around the world. If you love dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Honey Garlic Chicken, this crockpot version will be a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

What is Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

At its heart, this dish is exactly what the name suggests: chicken slow-cooked in a teriyaki-inspired sauce. The crockpot does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful, family-approved dinner.

Think: tender chicken, a glossy sweet-savory sauce, and toppings like sesame seeds and green onions to make it feel extra special. Best of all, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal—perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The balance of soy, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a sauce that’s addictive.

• Budget-friendly: Skip pricey takeout—this version uses simple pantry staples.

• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet notes, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor.

• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal.

How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Quick Overview

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp minced ginger

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer Chicken
   Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.

2. Mix Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger.

3. Pour & Cook
   Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

4. Optional Thickening
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Stir into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.

5. Shred & Serve
   Shred chicken with two forks, mix with sauce, and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

What to Serve With Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Round out your meal with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.

• Stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.

• Cucumber salad with a tangy dressing for freshness.

• Fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or soba noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken

• Use tamari: For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

• Don’t lift the lid: Each peek releases heat and slows down cooking.

• Optional sear: For extra flavor, sear chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freeze: Keep in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Thaw overnight, then warm in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

A mouthwatering dish of succulent chicken cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts The star of the dish.
• 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium is preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Garnishes

• sliced green onions For garnish.
• sesame seeds For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, arranged evenly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Cooking

• Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• If opting to thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.

Serving

• Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, shred it with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. Avoid lifting the lid of the crockpot during cooking for best results. For added flavor, consider searing the chicken before slow cooking.

Keyword Comfort Food, Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, easy chicken recipes, Family Dinner, slow cooker chicken