If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet requires minimal effort, you’re going to love this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe. Tender chunks of chicken slowly simmer in a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, infused with just the right touch of garlic and brown sugar. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping the preparation straightforward and approachable. From the savory chicken broth that deepens the sauce, to the sweetness of brown sugar balancing the salty teriyaki, each element plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 1 lb chicken, diced: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites that absorb all the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savoriness to keep the chicken succulent during slow cooking.
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce: The star of the dish, providing that classic sweet and salty glaze everyone loves.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Offers a warm sweetness and helps thicken the sauce as it cooks down.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Start by combining the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a large bowl. This mixture forms the luscious sauce that will soak into the chicken, ensuring every bite bursts with savory-sweet flavor. Taking a moment to whisk everything together well helps the sugar dissolve and garlic disperse evenly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add your diced chicken pieces into the sauce bowl and gently toss until every piece is fully coated. This step allows the chicken to begin absorbing the sauce even before hitting the Crock-Pot, setting the stage for a deeply flavored dish.
Step 3: Transfer to Crock-Pot
Carefully pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is arranged evenly so it can cook uniformly, soaking up all the amazing flavors during those hours in the Crock-Pot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crock-Pot to low heat and let the magic happen for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process is what makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the sauce to thicken into that perfect sticky consistency we all crave in teriyaki dishes.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Saucy
Once your chicken is tender and cooked through, spoon it over freshly steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the remaining sauce from the Crock-Pot on top. This simple serving style keeps the spotlight on the star of the recipe while complementing it beautifully.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only enhances the presentation but also brings new textures and layers of flavor to your Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness or thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, peppery bite that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, clean sides that balance the sweet and savory notes. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, but you could also try garlic sautéed green beans or crispy roasted broccoli for a healthy, vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress things up a bit? Serve the chicken teriyaki over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or pile it on a bed of mixed greens for a teriyaki chicken salad. You could even make sliders using soft buns and crisp slaw for an irresistibly fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it a perfect option for next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish ready for even longer, portion it out and freeze in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken teriyaki will maintain its taste and texture for up to 3 months, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it later on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the sauce’s luscious consistency without drying the chicken out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking, and their richer flavor complements the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! If you like a little heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweet-savory balance.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is straightforward in this recipe. Just ensure your Crock-Pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume for even cooking.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce if I don’t have any?
You can make a quick teriyaki-style sauce by mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a bit of ginger. This homemade version works well and keeps the spirit of the original dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once it’s cooked and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking for immediate thickening.
Final Thoughts
This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is one of those magical dishes that blends simplicity and incredible flavor with minimal effort. It has been my go-to comfort food for busy weeks, and I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too. So go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to create a delicious meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken Teriyaki
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic cloves. Stir well until the brown sugar is dissolved and ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Coat the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the sauce mixture and toss to coat all pieces evenly with the teriyaki sauce blend.
- Transfer to Crock-Pot: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your Crock-Pot or slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Slow cook the chicken: Set the Crock-Pot to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken pieces are fully cooked, tender, and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken teriyaki over hot cooked rice and drizzle extra sauce from the pot over the top for enhanced flavor. Enjoy your warm and savory meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, thicken it by transferring some sauce to a saucepan and simmering until reduced.
- Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity for less sweetness if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
