Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken – Easy, Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Dinner

Some meals just have a way of making the kitchen smell like a warm hug. This crock pot Teriyaki Chicken does exactly that. As the slow cooker hums away, sweet soy and ginger fill the air, promising a dinner that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you peek under the lid, not because you need to, but because it’s just too tempting.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

You’ll love this crock pot Teriyaki Chicken because it’s as easy as it is flavorful. The slow cooker does most of the work, letting you get on with your day while dinner turns tender and rich in sauce.
The taste is that perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to honey, soy sauce, and mirin. The touch of ginger and garlic brings warmth and depth.

It’s a family-friendly recipe, with mild flavors that still feel special. It’s also great for meal prep — make a batch and enjoy it over rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or paired with stir-fried veggies.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a Sunday when you just want to set and forget, this dish delivers. It’s a simple way to bring homemade takeout-style flavor to your table without the fuss.

Ingredients & Easy Substitutions

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• ½ cup honey
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup mirin
• ½ tsp powdered ginger
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cool water

Substitution tips:
Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for a certified GF version. Paleo? Try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
If you don’t have honey, use granulated or brown sugar. For thickening, tapioca flour or arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch.
Fresh diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger can replace the powdered spices for extra depth. Just don’t skip the mirin — it’s key to the teriyaki flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sauce

Lightly grease your slow cooker to keep everything from sticking and make cleanup easier. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil directly into the pot. These ingredients create the base for your crock pot Teriyaki Chicken, blending sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors. Whisk the mixture well until it’s completely smooth and all the honey is dissolved. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and absorb every bit of that rich teriyaki taste. Taking an extra minute to mix now means your crock pot Teriyaki Chicken will be flavorful from the first bite to the last.

Add and Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the rich teriyaki sauce inside the crock pot. Turn each piece until it’s completely coated, making sure the flavors soak into every side. Once coated, cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the crock pot Teriyaki Chicken on low for about 6 hours, or set it to high for roughly 3 hours if you’re short on time.

Cooking on low allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while letting the sauce deepen in flavor. For the best results, resist the urge to lift the lid too often so the heat stays consistent and the flavors fully develop.Place the chicken breasts in the sauce. Turn to coat each piece well.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Low heat gives the best texture and deeper flavor.

Shred the Chicken

When the crock pot Teriyaki Chicken is fully tender and cooked through, carefully transfer each piece to a clean plate. This helps keep the sauce in the slow cooker clear for the next step. Shred the chicken using two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces, or use a hand mixer on low speed for a faster option. Make sure all the chicken is evenly shredded so every piece can soak up the rich teriyaki sauce later. The warm, juicy meat should fall apart easily, filling the kitchen with that sweet and savory aroma that makes crock pot Teriyaki Chicken so irresistible.

Thicken the Sauce

Pour the rich cooking liquid from the crock pot Teriyaki Chicken through a fine strainer into a medium saucepan, removing any bits for a smooth finish. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cool water until completely lump-free, creating a simple slurry. Gradually whisk this mixture into the warm sauce, making sure it blends evenly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and keep whisking as the sauce heats. In just a few minutes, the crock pot Teriyaki Chicken sauce will thicken into a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken, giving it that classic, sticky-sweet teriyaki finish everyone loves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until it thickens into a glossy glaze.

Combine & Serve

Mix half of the thickened teriyaki sauce back into the shredded chicken, stirring well so every piece soaks up that sweet-savory flavor. This step makes the crock pot Teriyaki Chicken juicy and rich, perfect for serving straight from the slow cooker. Keep the rest of the sauce warm for drizzling at the table — it’s great for adding an extra glossy finish or a burst of flavor on your plate. Pair your crock pot Teriyaki Chicken with fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even noodles. Add colorful stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian-style salad on the side to create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover crock pot Teriyaki Chicken in the fridge for up to 1 week, keeping it in a tightly sealed container to lock in flavor.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or some reserved teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.
For extra convenience, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead, refrigerate it, then add the chicken to your crock pot the next day for effortless cooking.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Low heat brings out the best texture in crock pot Teriyaki Chicken, so use it when you can.
Fresh garlic, ginger, and onion will give a brighter, bolder flavor if you have them.
Avoid overcooking — chicken should shred easily but not be mushy.

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Card

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FAQ – Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

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