Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

🍯 Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken — Sweet, Savory, and Totally Weeknight‑Friendly

If dinner could give you a high‑five, this one would.

Some dinners are fussy. Some dinners are forgettable. And then there’s Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken — the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with almost no effort. It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of sticky. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means you can toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you’ve been working on it all day.

This is the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell amazing, gets everyone to the table fast, and leaves you with zero leftovers (unless you hide some for yourself — no judgment).

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “slow cooker all year long,” or do you only bust it out once the weather turns chilly?

I’m a weirdo but anything Teriyaki gets me! I love it and my family probably is sick of it, but they’ll learn to love it! This is an awesome recipe if you need something quick to throw in the crockpot!

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic minced
2 teaspoons ginger minced
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce sesame oil and rice vinegar. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6 hours. (My crockpot runs a little hot so yours may take a little longer depending on how warm it runs).
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium high heat and bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until dissolved.
Pour the cornstarch into the pan and bring a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has just thickened.
Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat the chicken. Sprinkle with green onions, then serve.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~310
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 34g

💡 Note: Calories vary depending on how saucy you go (and let’s be honest, we all go heavy on the sauce).

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

Chicken: Lean protein that keeps you full.
Garlic & Ginger: Flavor bombs + natural immune boosters.
Soy Sauce: Brings that umami depth.
Honey: Natural sweetness with antioxidants.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you count teriyaki chicken as “healthy takeout at home,” or do you just dive in fork‑first and call it joy food?

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Crockpot Success

Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out — check at the 3‑hour mark if cooking on HIGH.
Shred Smart: Use a hand mixer on low speed to shred chicken in seconds.
Sauce Saver: Straining the sauce before thickening keeps it silky smooth.
Double Batch: This freezes beautifully — make extra for future you.
Serving Ideas: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.

🔄 Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Veggie Boost: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes.
Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet‑savory combo.
Beef Swap: Try thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
Low‑Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — spicy, pineapple, or veggie‑packed?

🧒 Kid Tips

Serve over plain white rice for picky eaters.
Let kids sprinkle their own green onions (or sesame seeds).
Make mini teriyaki sliders with Hawaiian rolls.
Keep sauce mild if your kids aren’t into spice.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

Soy Sauce Savings: Buy the big jug at Costco — it lasts forever.
Frozen Garlic & Ginger Cubes: Total time‑saver from the freezer aisle.
Chicken Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken works if you’re in a rush — just make the sauce and toss.
Rice Hack: Microwaveable rice pouches = weeknight lifesavers.

🎯 Reader Challenge

This weekend, I challenge you to make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and put your own spin on it. Maybe you add pineapple, maybe you sneak in veggies, maybe you go bold with spice. Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsTeriyakiChallenge so we can all drool together and swap ideas.

🥪 Leftover Remix

Teriyaki Tacos: Stuff chicken into tortillas with slaw.
Teriyaki Fried Rice: Toss leftovers with rice, egg, and veggies.
Teriyaki Pizza: Use naan bread, top with chicken, cheese, and drizzle of sauce.
Teriyaki Bowls: Layer with quinoa, avocado, and edamame.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you dare try teriyaki pizza, or is that too wild?

💭 Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is proof that dinner can be both easy and exciting. With just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you get a meal that’s sweet, savory, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.

It’s also endlessly adaptable. You can keep it classic, go spicy, or even turn it into tacos. And because it’s so easy, it’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Here’s the thing about slow cooker meals — they’re more than just food. They’re comfort, convenience, and connection all simmering away while you live your life. They’re the smell of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen, the sight of glossy teriyaki sauce coating tender chicken, and the sound of happy chatter as everyone digs in.

And this teriyaki version? It’s a little extra special. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s guaranteed to make you the hero of the dinner table.

So here’s my challenge to you: make it, share it, and tell me your twist. Did you go pineapple? Did you sneak in veggies? Did you eat a spoonful straight from the crockpot before serving? (No judgment — I’ve been there.) Snap a pic, post it, and tag it so we can all drool together.

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Slow Cooker Series” next? I’m dreaming up honey garlic chicken, creamy Tuscan pasta, and maybe even a crockpot dessert.

Until then, may your chicken be tender, your sauce glossy, and your kitchen full of laughter, love, and second helpings.

Did you try our Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!