Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-495841H16M54S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts; 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 black pepper; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Published: June 3, 2025

by Olivia

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This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that requires only five minutes of prep. The tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce will impress anyone at your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice and stir-fried vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: With just five minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the Crock Pot to work its magic.
Flavorful and Savory: The homemade teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavors, making every bite delicious.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal that suits various tastes.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping; enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing flavor.
Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the ingredients easily to fit dietary needs or personal preferences, such as gluten-free options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Whisk
Fine mesh sieve
Saucepan
Two forks for shredding

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken without constant monitoring.
Whisk: Ideal for mixing sauces evenly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined before adding the chicken.
Fine mesh sieve: Useful for straining the cooking liquid to create a smooth sauce without any lumps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds chicken breasts

For the 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bowl of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In the slow cooker, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Soy sauce
3. Rice vinegar
4. Mirin
5. Powdered ginger
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Black pepper
9. Sesame oil

Make sure not to add the cornstarch and water yet.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and turn them to coat in the sauce thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Strain and Thicken Sauce

Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the strained sauce in the saucepan.

Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 7: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken alongside rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad for a delightful meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and toppings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Rice

White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the savory teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that provides a light, refreshing base.

In Wraps

Lettuce Wraps: Use fresh lettuce leaves to create a crunchy, low-carb wrap filled with shredded chicken.
Tortilla Wraps: Fill whole wheat or flour tortillas with the teriyaki chicken and add veggies for extra crunch.

On Salads

Asian Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions with the teriyaki chicken for a vibrant salad.
Mixed Greens: Top a bed of mixed greens with teriyaki chicken and drizzle with sesame dressing.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these essential tips for tender, flavorful chicken.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and onions enhance the overall flavor compared to dried spices.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking; add more honey or soy sauce to balance sweetness and saltiness.
Cook on Low: Slow cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become tender and soak up flavors better than high heat.
Let it Rest: After shredding the chicken, allow it to rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This helps infuse flavor.
Thicken Sauce Wisely: Make sure to mix cornstarch with cool water before adding it to the sauce for even thickening without lumps.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving for an appealing finish.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful options:

Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas sautéed in sesame oil complements the flavors of teriyaki chicken.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the chicken.
Fried Rice: Turn leftover rice into fried rice with vegetables and eggs for a hearty side dish that matches perfectly.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cucumber, carrots, and a splash of rice vinegar offers freshness alongside the rich flavors of teriyaki.
Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a healthy protein-packed snack or side dish.
Noodle Salad: Cold soba noodles dressed in sesame oil serve as a refreshing contrast to warm teriyaki chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking can be tricky, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

Skipping the Searing: Not browning the chicken before cooking can lead to less flavor. Searing adds depth and richness to the dish.
Overloading the Crock Pot: Ignoring capacity limits can result in uneven cooking. Make sure not to fill your slow cooker beyond its recommended capacity.
Forgetting to Thicken the Sauce: Neglecting the cornstarch slurry can leave you with a watery sauce. Always remember to thicken it for that perfect glaze.
Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Relying on low-grade soy sauce will compromise flavor. Opt for a good quality soy sauce to enhance your teriyaki chicken.
Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: Failing to shred the chicken will affect its absorption of flavors. Use two forks to shred it thoroughly for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Let the chicken cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for added juiciness and flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce without compromising taste.

What should I serve with my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize the teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness by adding more honey or substitute ingredients like brown sugar for different flavors.

How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while cooking on high takes about 3 hours until tender and easily shredded.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, you can serve it with rice or salad based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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