Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken : 7 Simple Reasons This Easy Dinner Is a Family Favorite

Looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal that tastes like takeout but is made right in your slow cooker? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a top-tier choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you need a flavorful, family-friendly dish. It’s sweet, savory, tender, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

This is one of the best crock pot recipes to make when you want something simple, healthy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish checks all the boxes for easy healthy crock pot dinner goals.

It’s right up there with comfort food classics like our Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice and Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches.

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Why This Is One of the Best Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Families

With minimal prep, a short ingredient list, and flexible serving options, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of dish you’ll come back to every week. Here’s why it works so well for busy home cooks:

• Effortless: Just toss everything in the slow cooker.
• Healthy: Made with lean protein and natural ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, veggies, or in lettuce wraps.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet-savory glaze.
• Scalable: Great for easy one person crockpot meals or crock pot family dinners.

It fits seamlessly into your weekly meal planning, like our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s everything you need for this flavorful slow cooker dish:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions for garnish

Want to add more veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

This is a true simple dinners crockpot recipe, so all you need is:

• 4-6 quart crockpot
• Mixing bowl for the sauce
• Whisk or spoon
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

For serving, consider pairing this with our Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns or a side of Peach Salad.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add to Crockpot: Place chicken in the crockpot and pour sauce over the top.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred & Thicken: Remove chicken and shred. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry, stir into the sauce, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine: Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat in sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy hot!

Like our Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie, this dish is both hearty and comforting.

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Easy Healthy Crock Pot Dinner Tips & Ingredient Swaps

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
• Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy twist.
• Skip the brown sugar and use more honey for a refined sugar-free version.

You can also make it low-carb by serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions for This Crock Pot Family Dinner

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables
• Noodles or lo mein
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Looking for more side options? Try Stuffing Biscuits or a fresh Arugula Nectarine Salad.

Make It Work for Everyone: One Person Crockpot Meals to Family-Size

Cooking for yourself? Halve the recipe and store leftovers for the week. Cooking for a crowd? Double the chicken and sauce to stretch the servings.

This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile crock dinner recipes in any home cook’s toolbox.

Weekly Meal Dinner Ideas: How to Prep This Ahead

This is perfect for weekly meal dinner ideas. Just prep the sauce in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge. Place raw chicken and sauce in a freezer bag for a ready-to-go crockpot freezer meal.

Want more easy weeknight solutions? Don’t miss our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat:

• Microwave: Cover loosely and reheat in 1-minute intervals
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth
• Freeze: Store in portions and freeze up to 3 months

Just like our Chicken Pillows Recipe, this reheats beautifully without drying out.

What to Serve with Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Pair this recipe with:

• Stir-fried snap peas
• Garlic rice
• Fresh fruit like mango or pineapple
• Asian-style slaw

Want dessert? Try a slice of our Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake to end the meal with cozy fall vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crock Dinner Recipes

• Overcooking the chicken – Use a meat thermometer for perfect timing.
• Not thickening the sauce – The cornstarch slurry is essential.
• Using high-sodium soy sauce – It can make the dish too salty.
• Skipping fresh aromatics – Garlic and ginger make all the difference.

Avoiding these will ensure your dish tastes just as amazing as our Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap.

Creative Variations to Try

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or red chili flakes.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Add pineapple juice and chunks for tropical flavor.
• Teriyaki Meatballs: Use frozen meatballs instead of chicken for a fun twist.
• Teriyaki Tofu: Make it vegetarian with firm tofu or jackfruit.

This kind of customization is what makes crockpot meals such a win for healthy crockpot dinners for family.

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FAQs About Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I skip the cornstarch?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Arrowroot is a good substitute.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Over rice, in wraps, or even in tacos!

How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days, tightly covered.

Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Yes! Pork tenderloin or shoulder works great with the same sauce.

Conclusion: Add This Week Night Crockpot Meal to Your Rotation

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that belongs in every home cook’s lineup. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to for simple dinners crockpot style, or a dish that checks every box for healthy crockpot dinners for family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Browse more dinner ideas on Lyndy’s Kitchen or check out Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken for another Asian-inspired favorite.

Love this recipe? Subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more healthy crockpot recipes and simple dinner inspiration!

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