Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Juicy Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe That Cooks Itself

Savory aromas of teriyaki chicken waft through kitchens, promising a delightful meal that captures classic Asian flavors.

Tender meat marinated in a rich, sweet sauce brings comfort to dinner tables.

Slow cookers work magic, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast.

Minimal effort yields maximum taste with this straightforward recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly they can assemble these ingredients.

Perfectly balanced seasonings create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Made Simple and Tasty

  • Unlock Slow Cooker Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on preparation, letting your Crock-Pot do all the heavy lifting.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting sauce quantities or adding vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli to create a personalized dinner experience.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for busy families and professionals who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen, with convenient make-ahead and storage options.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that makes every bite delightful.

Ingredients for Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and lean protein that absorbs the rich teriyaki flavors perfectly.
For the Liquid Base and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory foundation and helps keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.
  • Teriyaki Sauce: Delivers a classic sweet and tangy Japanese-inspired flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory elements.
  • Minced Garlic: Introduces a robust, aromatic depth to the overall dish.
For the Serving Accompaniment:
  • Cooked Rice: A classic base that soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce and complements the chicken.

How to Cook Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Splash

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and pour in the chicken broth, creating a liquid base that’ll make your teriyaki sing. Drizzle in the teriyaki sauce, letting its rich umami notes dance around.

Sprinkle brown sugar for a touch of sweetness that’ll caramelize beautifully. Mince fresh garlic cloves to add a punchy, aromatic kick that’ll elevate the entire dish.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Deliciousness

Tumble your diced chicken pieces into the sauce mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure every single morsel gets completely coated.

The chicken should glisten with the glossy teriyaki marinade, promising a flavor explosion in every bite.

Step 3: Settle Into the Slow Cooker

Gently transfer the saucy chicken into your trusty Crock-Pot.

Make sure to scrape out every last drop of that incredible sauce – no flavor left behind! Spread the chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Let the Magic Happen

Set your Crock-Pot to low and let it work its transformative powers. The chicken will slowly simmer and absorb all those incredible flavors.

After 4-6 hours, the meat will be tender, falling apart, and absolutely bursting with teriyaki goodness.

Step 5: Serve Up Comfort

Prepare a bed of fluffy white rice on your serving plates.

Lovingly spoon the teriyaki chicken over the rice, making sure to drizzle extra sauce for maximum deliciousness. The result?

A home-cooked meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken

  • Check chicken at 4-hour mark to ensure it remains tender and juicy, avoiding dry meat.
  • Toast garlic briefly before adding to sauce to enhance its rich, nutty undertones.
  • Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into sauce during last 30 minutes of cooking for a glossy, restaurant-style consistency.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or pork for diverse meal variations that suit different dietary preferences.
  • Double the recipe and freeze extra portions in airtight containers for quick future meals.

Variations to Spice Up Crock-Pot Teriyaki

  • Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the original recipe for a fiery flavor boost, creating a bold and zesty chicken teriyaki experience.
  • Pineapple Paradise: Mix in diced pineapple chunks during cooking to introduce a sweet, tropical note that complements the teriyaki sauce's rich flavor profile.
  • Veggie-Loaded Version: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the chicken mixture, transforming the dish into a more nutritious and colorful one-pot meal.
  • Ginger Garlic Fusion: Increase the minced garlic and add fresh grated ginger for an intensified aromatic and traditional Asian-inspired taste sensation.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Teriyaki

  • Elevate Umami Harmony: Pair the teriyaki chicken with a crisp Japanese sake to complement its sweet and savory profile, enhancing the dish's rich flavors.
  • Refresh with Brightness: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty contrast.
  • Veggie Balance Boost: Roast some sesame-glazed broccoli or stir-fry bok choy as a vibrant green side that adds nutrition and textural variety to the meal.
  • Cooling Complement: Top the dish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish that elevates the entire plate.

How to Store Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

  • Store leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack the cooled chicken teriyaki in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavor components in this teriyaki chicken recipe?

The recipe combines savory chicken broth, sweet teriyaki sauce, rich brown sugar, and aromatic garlic to create a balanced, umami-packed flavor profile.

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even a mix of both. Just ensure the chicken is cut into consistent, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Crock-Pot chicken teriyaki is perfect for batch cooking. It stores well and maintains its delicious flavor when reheated, making it an excellent option for weekly meal planning.

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Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki brings Japanese-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, sweet-tangy sauce create an effortless meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken, diced

Sauces and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Aromatics:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. Whisk together teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl to create a harmonious flavor base.
  2. Gently fold diced chicken into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
  3. Carefully pour the sauced chicken into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the ceramic insert.
  4. Set the Crock-Pot to low temperature and allow the chicken to simmer slowly for 4-6 hours, which will tenderize the meat and intensify the sauce’s flavors.
  5. Once cooking is complete, verify the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Prepare fluffy white rice as a complementary base for the teriyaki chicken.
  7. Plate the succulent chicken over the steamed rice, generously drizzling the rich, caramelized sauce from the slow cooker on top.
  8. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Opt for low-sodium teriyaki sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this dish.
  • Trim visible fat from chicken breasts to reduce calories and create a leaner meal option.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time and freeze in individual portions for quick weeknight meals that save time and effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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