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Easy Dump-and-Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Busy Weeknights

A mound of glossy, shredded crockpot teriyaki chicken topped with green onions and sesame seeds on a white plate.
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This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for busy nights. You get tender, flavorful chicken in a sweet and savory glaze without much hands-on time, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water (for slurry)
  • Optional: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. This creates your teriyaki sauce base.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
  8. Set the slow cooker to HIGH (if it was on LOW) and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a rich glaze.
  9. Stir the shredded chicken back into the thickened teriyaki sauce until every piece is coated.
  10. Serve the crockpot teriyaki chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • For the thickest sauce, make sure to use the cornstarch slurry step. Do not skip this if you want a non-watery sauce.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; portion it into containers for quick lunches.
  • If using chicken breasts, you can cook them whole and shred them after cooking for the most tender result.
  • You can add 1 cup of broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a complete chicken and broccoli crockpot meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/crockpot-teriyaki-chicken-easy-dump-and-go/