If you’ve ever craved a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth chicken dish that practically makes itself, this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender chicken bathed in a luscious, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce that simmers to perfection all day long. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep fan, or someone who simply loves the comfort of slow-cooked meals, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish every time. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory depth of chicken broth to the sweet-savory punch of teriyaki sauce and the aromatic warmth of garlic. These essentials keep the dish simple yet truly delicious.
- 1 lb chicken, diced: Using diced chicken allows for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and a gentle savory base that keeps the chicken juicy.
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce: The star of the dish, it provides that classic sweet and salty flavor.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar balances the saltiness with a subtle caramel richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances depth and aroma, making the sauce irresistible.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Start by mixing the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a large bowl. This simple but flavorful sauce will be the magic that transforms your chicken into a tender, glossy delight. Whisk everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve and the garlic is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Next, add your diced chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them gently but thoroughly. This ensures every chicken bit is lovingly coated in that rich teriyaki mixture. It’s the first step toward juicy, flavorful chicken that soaks up all the goodness during cooking.
Step 3: Transfer to the Crock-Pot
Once your chicken is nicely coated, pour the entire mixture into your Crock-Pot. This method keeps everything contained and allows the flavors to mingle beautifully as they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Set your Crock-Pot to low and let the chicken cook for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the sauce will thicken just enough to create that perfect sticky glaze you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, the Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is ready to shine. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every last drop of that sweet and savory sauce.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a delightful crunch and fresh color contrast, elevating presentation and flavor. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat that plays nicely with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
The best side dishes for this Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe are simple, yet complementary. Steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a light Asian-style slaw bring fresh textures and balance out the richness of the teriyaki sauce. If you want something heartier, fried rice or garlic noodles are fantastic partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to mix things up? Try serving the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, finger-food experience, or pile it onto warm bao buns with a crunchy pickle topping for an irresistible street food vibe. The versatility of this recipe means you can get really creative with how you enjoy it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating refreshes the sauce’s moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of diced chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay juicy and add richer flavor, which works perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
Is it necessary to add brown sugar?
While you can adjust sweetness to your taste, brown sugar enhances the caramel notes and balances the salty teriyaki sauce, making it a key ingredient for authentic flavor.
How thick will the sauce be when cooking is done?
The sauce will thicken slightly but remain saucy enough to coat the chicken beautifully. If you want it thicker, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish the night before and cook it the next day?
Yes, marinating the chicken in the sauce mixture overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor even more. Then just dump it into your Crock-Pot and cook as usual.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, water with a splash of soy sauce or a light vegetable broth can work as substitutes, though chicken broth adds the best depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves easy, flavorful meals without the fuss. It’s a lovely go-to for busy days, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over. I hope you have as much fun making and enjoying it as I do sharing it with good friends like you!
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Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This easy Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a hands-off meal, it combines simple ingredients like chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken, diced
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic cloves, mixing thoroughly to create a well-blended teriyaki sauce base.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the sauce mixture and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Transfer to Crock-Pot: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the Crock-Pot, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Serve the cooked chicken teriyaki hot over steamed rice, spooning extra sauce from the Crock-Pot over the top for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli to the Crock-Pot during cooking for a complete meal.
- For thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the sauce.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier results if preferred.
- Adjust brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
