Sticky Sweet 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This 4-ingredient slow cooker teriyaki chicken is the kind of recipe busy families rely on week after week. Made with tender chicken thighs simmered low and slow in a sweet, sticky teriyaki sauce, it delivers big flavor with almost zero effort. If you’re looking for an easy crockpot chicken recipe, a kid-approved dinner, or a hands-off meal prep idea, this one checks every box.
Perfect for hectic weekdays, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken over rice cooks while you work, run errands, or relax then greets you with a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Only 4 ingredients simple, affordable, and pantry-friendly
Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal no babysitting required
Family-friendly flavor sweet and savory, not spicy
Perfect for meal prep leftovers reheat beautifully
Versatile serving options rice, noodles, wraps, or bowls
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW)
Ingredients:
2½–3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup teriyaki sauce (your favorite bottled brand)
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions:
Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer in a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic until well combined.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Shred or chunk the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
Taste and adjust add a splash of water to mellow the sauce or a pinch of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Serving Ideas:
Spoon over rice for a classic slow cooker chicken and rice dinner
Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for balance
Add a cucumber salad or coleslaw for a fresh crunch
Use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls
Tips & Variations:
Thicker sauce: Simmer 1 cup of sauce with 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, then stir back in
Bone-in thighs: Add 1 extra hour on LOW and remove bones before serving
One-pot meal: Add frozen stir-fry vegetables during the last 45 minutes
Flavor boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar
