© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Dinner 🍽️🥢✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, hassle-free meal that requires minimal effort but delivers incredible taste, then this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for you. Known as dump-and-go chicken, this slow cooker teriyaki weeknight dinner combines tender chicken with a deliciously savory sauce, all prepared effortlessly in your crockpot. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or just looking for an easy chicken dinner, this recipe guarantees satisfying results every time.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables to serve
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Preparing the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the honey dissolves, creating a flavorful teriyaki sauce base.
Loading the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cooking the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and infused with the savory teriyaki flavor by the end of cooking.
Thickening the Sauce
Optional: When the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. Pour the sauce into a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and whisk in cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken. Cook for a few minutes until glossy and rich.
Serving
Return the chicken to the crockpot, pour the thickened sauce over it, and cook for another 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet until heated through. For additional freshness, sprinkle with fresh green onions before serving again.
5. Delicious Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Enjoy as a filling for lettuce wraps or sandwiches for a tasty twist.
- Add a side of Asian-style noodles or cauliflower rice for variety.
6. Tips & Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki
- Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy results.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying honey or brown sugar amounts as per taste preferences.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking, enhancing the flavor of your dump-and-go chicken meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce. Check all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
How long does it take to prepare this easy chicken dinner?
The preparation is quick — just mix ingredients and load in the crockpot. The total cooking time varies from 3-8 hours depending on your setting, making it a perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.
What are some variations I can try?
Add sliced pineapples, bell peppers, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your tastes.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics: Perfect for quick side dishes or reheating leftovers, making your meal prep more versatile.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Essential for preparing rice or other dishes to accompany your teriyaki chicken.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer: Great for grilling additional vegetables or finishing off dishes with a crispy touch.
9. Conclusion
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers an effortless way to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal with minimal hands-on time. Its juicy, tender chicken coated in flavorful teriyaki sauce makes it a favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this easy chicken dinner that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite veggies or side dishes and enjoy a satisfying meal you can make ahead of time!
Print
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
A simple, foolproof crockpot recipe for tender and juicy teriyaki chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Optional: Remove chicken, stir in cornstarch with a little water, and cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Shred chicken, return to sauce, and serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Serve over steamed rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if soy sauce is gluten-free)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
