Easy Tender Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This easy crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection with a sweet-savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup (120ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup (85g) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat 2 pounds (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (120ml) soy sauce, ¼ cup (85g) honey, 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ cup (60ml) water. Whisk until honey dissolves and ingredients blend.
- Place the chicken thighs flat in the crockpot and pour the sauce over evenly, coating all pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Pour into the crockpot, stir gently, cover, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, optionally with steamed broccoli or snap peas.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Check tenderness 30 minutes before minimum cook time to avoid overcooking. If you forget to thicken the sauce, it will be more glaze-like but still delicious. Leftovers taste better the next day. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha. Can substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (115g) ch
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot teriyaki chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy weeknight dinner, tender chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, slow cooked chicken