Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
If you love easy slow cooker chicken recipes that taste like takeout but require almost no effort, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs recipe is about to become a favorite. Made with tender boneless chicken thighs, rich teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, this comforting crockpot meal delivers bold savory-sweet flavor with a simple pour-and-cook method.
This easy crockpot teriyaki chicken is perfect for busy weeknights because you skip browning, skip complicated prep, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The result is juicy, fall-apart chicken coated in a glossy homemade-style teriyaki glaze that pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or meal-prep bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Minimal prep makes it ideal for busy schedules.
Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses pantry staples and store-bought sauce.
Family-friendly flavor: Sweet, savory, and comforting great for kids and adults.
Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for rice bowls or wraps.
Protein-rich comfort food: Chicken thighs stay juicy and satisfying.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup store-bought teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Directions:
Arrange the boneless chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Slight overlap is fine, but avoid stacking tightly so the sauce coats evenly.
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined.
Pour the teriyaki mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Gently move the chicken with a spoon so some sauce runs underneath.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Taste the sauce and adjust if desired. Add a splash more teriyaki sauce for saltiness or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Optional: For a thicker sauce, simmer 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid in a small saucepan for 3–5 minutes, then return it to the slow cooker.
Shred or roughly chop the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir to coat well in the sauce.
Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles with extra sauce spooned on top.
Serving Suggestions:
This cozy slow cooker teriyaki chicken pairs perfectly with:
Steamed jasmine rice or short-grain rice
Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans
Steamed edamame
Cabbage slaw with rice-vinegar dressing
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Variations & Expert Tips:
Spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the teriyaki mixture.
Lower sweetness: Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon or omit if your sauce is already sweet.
Add vegetables: Layer bell peppers, onions, or carrot slices into the slow cooker.
Extra sesame flavor: Stir in a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil before cooking.
Meal-prep idea: Use leftovers for teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps or fried rice bowls.
