Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki (Tender, Sticky, Better Than Takeout)

Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours,
until chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Shred: Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks (or chop into chunks). Return chicken to the crock-pot.

Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir slurry into the crock-pot.
Cover and cook on HIGH 10–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until sauce is glossy and thick.

Serve: Spoon over rice, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with broccoli or veggies.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

Classic bowl: Rice + chicken teriyaki + broccoli + sesame seeds
Lettuce wraps: Serve in butter lettuce cups with shredded carrots
Teriyaki tacos: Add slaw and drizzle with spicy mayo
Meal prep: Portion into containers with rice and veggies

Storage

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Microwave: 60–90 seconds per portion, stir halfway.
Skillet: Warm on medium-low with a splash of water if sauce is too thick.

Tips

Use thighs for best texture: They stay juicy in the slow cooker.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Helps keep the sauce balanced and not too salty.
Don’t add cornstarch too early: Thicken at the end for a smooth, glossy sauce.
Adjust sweetness: More honey for sweeter, more vinegar for tangier.
Want it thicker? Add 1 extra tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water.
Extra flavor: Add pineapple chunks in the last hour for a pineapple teriyaki twist.

Variations

Pineapple Teriyaki: Replace 1/2 cup water with pineapple juice + add pineapple chunks.
Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to taste.
Orange Teriyaki: Add 1/3 cup orange juice and a little zest.
Ginger-Forward: Double the ginger for a brighter bite.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or stir-fry veggies at the end.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but they can dry out if overcooked. Check early (around 3.5–4 hours on LOW) and shred as soon as they’re tender.
Thighs are more forgiving.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Sauce thickness depends on moisture from the chicken and slow cooker heat. Add slurry, switch to HIGH, and let it cook
10–15 minutes. You can add an extra small slurry if needed.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes. Simmer sauce, cook chicken in it until done, then thicken with slurry. Total time is about 25–30 minutes.

Can I add vegetables in the slow cooker?

Tender veggies like broccoli can overcook. Add them near the end (last 30–45 minutes) or steam separately and serve
on the side.

Is teriyaki sauce supposed to be sweet?

Yes—classic teriyaki balances salty soy sauce with sweetness. Adjust honey/brown sugar to match your taste.