Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Chef Josie
When the weather cools down and life gets busy, I love having a dinner that practically cooks itself. This Easy CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that fills the house with the most incredible aroma and makes everyone rush to the table.
The tender chicken soaks up a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a hint of garlic and ginger. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles with a side of broccoli, and you have a meal that tastes like takeout but feels homemade. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a weeknight favorite because it’s hearty, wholesome, and truly effortless.
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Table of Contents
CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce with garlic, honey, and soy. Perfect over rice for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-
½ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup honey
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¼ cup brown sugar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
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2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
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Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Place chicken in crock pot and pour sauce over top.
- Cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours.
- Remove chicken; whisk cornstarch slurry into sauce and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Add broccoli and return chicken to the pot.
- Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for best flavor and tenderness.
Add more vegetables if desired.
Store leftovers up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Double the sauce for extra flavor if serving with noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (low)
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the sweet teriyaki glaze.
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Prep in 10 minutes, then let it simmer low and slow.
- Better Than Takeout: Healthier, cheaper, and more flavorful.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking. You can use chicken breasts if preferred.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, bringing deep umami flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce glaze beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a caramel-like taste.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced for warmth and aroma.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy finish.
- Broccoli: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: For garnish and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Add to CrockPot: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove chicken and whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Add Broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender and stir it into the crockpot.
- Serve: Return chicken to sauce, spoon over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes and Top Tips
- Boneless chicken thighs stay moist, but you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, sear chicken briefly before adding it to the crockpot.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it gives you that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
- Leftovers store beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra veggies.
- Use pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Conclusion
This Easy CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken is everything I love in a family meal: simple, flavorful, and made with love. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and by dinnertime, your kitchen smells like a cozy Asian restaurant.
Make it once, and I promise it will become part of your regular dinner rotation. Serve it up steaming hot, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes family dinners special again.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking and the best texture.
2. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer everything in a large skillet over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes, then thicken the sauce as directed.
4. What can I serve this with besides rice?
It’s delicious over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a fun twist.
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