There are days when cooking feels like too much, and that’s when my slow cooker comes to the rescue. Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is one of those lifesaving dinners that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. You toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and hours later your home smells like a cozy takeout kitchen. The chicken comes out tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce. If you love easy dinners that bring people together, this recipe belongs right next to my Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder on your weeknight rotation.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is more than just convenient, it’s downright delicious. You’ll appreciate how the flavors of soy, honey, garlic, and ginger slowly infuse the chicken, giving every bite balance and depth. Unlike restaurant teriyaki, this version isn’t overly salty or heavy. You can keep it wholesome by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Kids usually love it because of the slightly sweet glaze, and adults enjoy it because it tastes like takeout with less guilt. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, or serve it with crisp veggies for a complete meal. For another family-pleasing dinner, try my comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings; it’s equally effortless.
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Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet-savory glaze. Perfect over rice for a family-friendly dinner.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and set aside.
5. Stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken.
6. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Add vegetables such as broccoli or peppers in the last 30 minutes.
Make it spicy with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Freeze portions for easy future dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its short and familiar ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey or brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
These pantry staples transform into a rich teriyaki sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. For dessert pairings, I recommend finishing the meal with Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes, they’re just as simple yet satisfying.
How to Make This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe really lives up to the “dump and go” name.
- Add ingredients. Place chicken in the crockpot. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour over chicken.
- Cook. Set on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred and thicken. Remove chicken and shred with forks. Stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Combine. Return chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
That’s it. Your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is ready to serve. Like my Smashburger Quesadillas, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something hands-off but flavorful.
Tips and Variations
This teriyaki chicken is flexible, and you can tweak it to match your taste:
- Protein swaps: Chicken thighs add richer flavor, but pork tenderloin or turkey also work.
- Add vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes for color and crunch.
- Make it spicy: Stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with tamari.
- Meal prep: Freeze portions in airtight bags for a quick reheat dinner.
One of my favorite variations is using the shredded teriyaki chicken as filling for sliders; they vanish fast at parties. For another fun slider-style dish, check out my Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches; they make weeknight dinners feel special.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I put raw chicken directly into the crockpot?
Yes. Slow cookers are designed for raw proteins. Just ensure chicken reaches 165°F before serving.
Should I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well. Breasts shred nicely, while thighs stay extra juicy.
How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce near the end. It thickens within 10 minutes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Combine everything in a freezer bag, freeze, then dump straight into the crockpot when ready.
Final Thoughts
Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll end up with a family-friendly dish that tastes like takeout but feels homemade. The sweet and savory sauce makes it a dinner everyone looks forward to. Keep it on your meal plan rotation, and let your slow cooker handle the work while you enjoy more time with family. For another cozy recipe perfect for busy nights, try my Butter Chicken Recipe; it’s hearty, flavorful, and just as rewarding.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
