Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a true winner, combining convenience with delicious flavor. You only need to spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients before letting the slow cooker do the work. The result is tender, shredded chicken bathed in a homemade teriyaki sauce that is perfect for pairing with a variety of sides. Whether you're serving it with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's versatile enough to customize with ingredient swaps to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds chicken breasts

• Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¾ cup soy sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar

  • ¼ cup mirin

  • ½ teaspoon powdered ginger

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• To thicken:

  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1 Tablespoon cool water

Directions

1. Grease the container of a large slow cooker.

2. Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared slow cooker and whisk to combine (DO NOT add the cornstarch and water mixture yet).

3. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn to coat with the sauce.

4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.

5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a medium serving dish. Set the sauce aside.

6. Shred the chicken with two forks and cover to keep warm.

7. Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan and pour the sauce from the slow cooker through the strainer into the saucepan.

8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water, then add this mixture to the sauce in the saucepan. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.

9. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

10. Mix half of the sauce into the shredded chicken and save the other half for serving.

11. Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 hours (6 hours on low or 3 hours on high)

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Sweetener Substitutes: If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use granulated sugar or brown sugar.

• Spice Adjustments: You can use fresh ginger, garlic, or onion instead of powdered versions if you prefer stronger flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover crock pot teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, be sure to cook on high for at least 4 hours to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, store it in the fridge, and then cook it the next day.

Is there a substitute for mirin in this recipe?

Mirin is an essential ingredient for authentic teriyaki sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of white wine and sugar or a little extra honey.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to serve more people. Just be sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased amount of chicken and sauce.

Can I use a slow cooker on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for about 3 hours, but the chicken may be slightly less tender than if you cook it on low for 6 hours.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

If you like spicy food, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to give it some heat.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes, this teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a crunchy Asian salad.

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can cook it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce until cooked through, then shredding it and thickening the sauce separately.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and easy meal that combines tender chicken with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Whether you're cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a fantastic choice. With minimal effort and big flavor, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.