Simple Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken (Print Version)
Effortless Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for busy nights! This easy recipe brings tender chicken in a rich, tangy sauce to your table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free Adaptable
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
→ Teriyaki Sauce Essentials
03 -
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
05 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tsp sesame oil
08 -
2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
→ Fresh Finishing Touches
09 -
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
10 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
→ Optional Flavor Boosters
11 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes
12 -
Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those beautiful chicken thighs ready. I usually just pat them dry with a paper towel – helps them absorb all that yummy sauce later, you know? You can trim any excess fat if you like, but I often leave a little for extra flavor. This is where the 'dump' part really begins for this easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. Just toss them straight into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Give it a good, enthusiastic whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. I always take a little sniff here; the aroma is just incredible, making me so excited for the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken! Don't worry if there are a few tiny lumps; it'll all melt down in the slow cooker.
03 -
Pour that glorious teriyaki sauce right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken pieces are nestled nicely in the sauce. Give it a gentle stir just to coat everything evenly. Then, pop on the lid! Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low, because I find the chicken gets unbelievably tender that way.
04 -
This is the hardest part, honestly, because your kitchen is going to start smelling absolutely divine. That sweet, savory teriyaki scent will fill every corner of your home. Resist the urge to peek too much; every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it takes longer to cook. Just let your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken do its thing!
05 -
Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes on high heat, or you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stovetop if you're impatient like me sometimes!
06 -
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks – it should just fall apart! Return the shredded chicken to the thickened teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to coat everything. The chicken will be so incredibly tender and coated in that rich, glossy sauce. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is ready to be devoured! It should look glistening and smell absolutely irresistible.
# Notes:
01 -
Always pat your chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker; it helps the sauce cling better!
02 -
If your sauce is too thin, a quick cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) is your best friend. I've learned that the hard way!
03 -
Leftovers of this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken are fantastic, maybe even better the next day as the flavors really meld.
04 -
Serve over fluffy white rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra special touch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
02 -
whisk
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
04 -
small bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 30-35g