Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – Better Than Takeout

Bowl of crock pot teriyaki chicken served over white rice with sesame seeds and green onions

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If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, you’ll love this easy crock pot teriyaki chicken.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a flavorful dinner that the whole family will appreciate.

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine coming home to a warm, savory dish ready to serve. The crock pot makes it easy to create tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.

If you enjoy hands-off meals like this, browse my full collection of Crock Pot Recipes for more easy slow cooker dinners.

You’ll also find more takeout-style slow cooker meals in my Crockpot Asian Recipes collection.

You can pair it with rice or veggies for a complete meal that satisfies your cravings.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe will become a go-to for weeknight dinners. Get ready to impress your family and friends with little effort!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This dish is simple and delicious. You will need to pick the right ingredients, prepare the chicken properly, and know how to use your crock pot. Let’s break down these steps.

Here’s everything you’ll need…

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped onions (optional)
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

To make this recipe, you’ll want a 6-quart slow cooker and I also recommend using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.

Now let’s break it down step by step…

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To begin, place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.

Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. If desired, add the chopped bell peppers and onions on top.

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.

Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your meal!

If you enjoy easy Asian-inspired slow cooker dinners like this, you might also love my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken, or Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs.

Slow Cooker Tips

For the most tender results, use boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy during long cooking and absorb the teriyaki sauce well.

Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking since this releases heat and increases cooking time.

If the sauce seems thin at the end of cooking, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes so the sauce can reduce slightly.

For extra flavor, finish the dish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil before serving.

And here’s how to turn it into a complete meal…

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once the chicken is done, shred it gently with two forks right in the crock pot. This helps mix the chicken with the sauce. You can serve it over steamed rice or add it to a bowl of noodles.

Garnish your dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty teriyaki chicken!

If you’re building a rotation of simple weeknight meals, explore my Easy Crockpot Dinners collection for more hands-off dinner ideas.

Dishes to Pair With

Serve crock pot teriyaki chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles so the sauce soaks in.

Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables add color and balance to the sweet and savory sauce. A quick cucumber salad or shredded cabbage slaw also pairs nicely and adds freshness.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftover teriyaki chicken is perfect for quick rice bowls, noodle stir-fries, or lettuce wraps. You can also use the shredded chicken in wraps, salads, or fried rice for an easy second meal the next day.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Follow my Asian Crock Pot Recipes board on Pinterest.