Easy Tender Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners
A simple and delicious crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce. Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 2.5 to 3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined (about 5 minutes).
- Place the chicken thighs evenly in the crockpot, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir gently. Cover and cook on HIGH for the remaining 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding salt, more honey, or vinegar.
- Serve the chicken with extra sauce spooned over and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best tenderness. Avoid opening the crockpot lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. If sauce doesn’t thicken well, whisk cornstarch slurry again before adding and keep crockpot on HIGH during thickening. Optionally finish under broiler for caramelization but watch closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Leftovers taste better after a day and can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot teriyaki chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, teriyaki sauce, chicken thighs, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal