Teriyaki chicken. You know, that classic dinner you crave when days get busy and nobody has the energy to saute or stand next to a boiling pot. I cannot count how many times I’ve wanted something sticky and sweet without trashing my entire kitchen. And who’s got the time for fancy ingredients anyway? This is why teriyaki chicken in the crock pot is my go-to “I-can-still-win-the-evening” recipe. Maximum flavor, minimum fuss. Wanna know how I pull this off without losing my sanity? Let me walk you through it. 
How To Make Teriyaki Chicken
So, here’s my not-so-secret method for easy teriyaki chicken. I plop the chicken thighs right into the crock pot. Yes, I use thighs because they stay juicy. (Breasts work too, if that’s your thing, but I vote thighs.) Cover them with a homemade teriyaki sauce that is embarrassingly simple to whisk together. All the flavor with none of the drama. Then I set the crock pot and forget about it for the day. Trust me, it’s hard to mess up. My only warning check it around the 3-to-4-hour mark. Depends on your slow cooker, honestly. You want the chicken cooked through but NOT dry or stringy. And when it’s done? Just thicken the juices. I usually ladle out some sauce and throw in a little cornstarch slurry. Whisk, pour, and watch it get all glossy and thick. You’ll find yourself quietly “taste testing” that sauce way too many times. 
Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
Alright, let’s be candid. Here’s what you’ll need for teriyaki chicken that’s actually delicious:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey (If you’re out, maple syrup works in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (I sometimes skip this don’t judge)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (For thickening)
- Optional: sesame seeds, sliced green onion for garnish
Nothing weird or hard to pronounce. Everything gets dumped straight in. Did I mention minimal cleanup? 
Helpful Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken
You want sticky and sweet, not bland or gloppy. Here’s what I’ve learned after, honestly, way too many batches:
Let the chicken sit in the sauce for at least a couple hours. If you’re short on time don’t stress. But flavor develops while they get cozy. If you’re worried your chicken will dry out, check it early. My last batch took just under 4 hours. Every slow cooker is a different beast! And you can totally make this gluten-free using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, feel free to add some chopped bell pepper or snap peas in the last hour for a bit of crunch.
“I tried this with frozen chicken thighs and it still came out juicy and rich! I can’t believe how much my picky eater loved it.” – Bestie, Kacie
What To Serve It With
Want your teriyaki chicken to feel like a full meal, not just a sad bowl of brown stuff? Here’s what I love as sides:
- Steamed or jasmine rice (classic)
- Simple sautéed broccoli or green beans
- Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top
- Quick pickled cucumbers on the side
There. Bam, weeknight dinner that says “I put in effort” even if you didn’t.
About Teriyaki Chicken
Here’s a short history lesson. Teriyaki chicken comes from Japan, obviously, but the version we love in America is tweaked. Japanese teriyaki is all about grilling and a bare-bones sauce. Here, we’ve dialed up the sweetness and sauciness because, well, that’s just how we do it. The real magic is the balance salty soy, tang, sugar all that sticks to your chicken in the best way possible. Crock pot cooking just amplifies those flavors, letting the chicken soak up every drop. Bonus for people who want dinner ready as soon as the garage door goes up.
Print
Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
A simple and delicious teriyaki chicken recipe made in a crock pot, featuring juicy chicken thighs and a homemade teriyaki sauce for a sticky, sweet finish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Optional: sesame seeds, sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger, then pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- For thickening, ladle out some sauce, whisk in cornstarch slurry, and pour back in the pot to thicken the sauce.
- Serve and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Add vegetables like bell pepper or snap peas in the last hour for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Common Questions
Do I have to use chicken thighs for teriyaki chicken?
Nope. Go for breasts or even drumsticks if that’s what you have. Thighs are juicier, though just sayin’.
Is it safe to put raw chicken in the crock pot?
Yup, totally safe. Just make sure you cook it until it’s done all the way through.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. You might just need to cook it a tad longer or upgrade to a bigger pot.
What about leftovers?
They keep well for about three days in the fridge. I love them tossed in a salad or even packed in a rice bowl for lunch.
Do I have to thicken the sauce at the end?
It tastes better thick, but honestly I’ve gotten too tired and just eaten it as is. Still pretty good.
Ready For the Stickiest, Sweetest Win?
That’s basically my teriyaki chicken playbook. Simple, beginner-proof, and worthy of your “fancy” plates (if that’s your thing). You don’t need chef skills, just a crock pot and a sense of adventure. For more hacks on easy weeknight comfort food, check out budget-friendly slow cooker dinners or the always helpful Serious Eats Guide to Teriyaki.
Give it a shot this week. If your dinner table isn’t silent from happy eating, I’ll eat my hat. 
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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.
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