Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki | Healthy Slow Cooker Recipe
Thereโs something magical about coming home to the warm, savory aroma of Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki simmering away. This recipe takes me back to my travels through Japan, where the balance of salty-sweet teriyaki sauce was always perfection. Iโve adapted that beloved flavor into an easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal that fits into busy weeknights. The best part? Itโs wholesome, naturally sweetened, and requires almost no prep time. Whether youโre feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this tender, saucy chicken is a comforting favorite that brings a taste of the East to your kitchen with minimal effort.
How to Make Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ยฝ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ยผ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ยผ cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice, for serving
- Instructions
- Prep the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Add to Crockpot: Place chicken in your slow cooker and pour the sauce over top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5โ6 hours or HIGH for 2ยฝโ3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch and water together, then stir into the Crockpot sauce. Turn heat to HIGH for 10โ15 minutes, until thickened.
- Shred and serve: Return chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for Success
- No time to chop? Use pre-minced garlic and ginger.
- For extra veggies: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Meal prep tip: This freezes beautifullyโstore in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Sweetness control: Adjust honey to taste or substitute coconut sugar.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
๐ฑ Cooking Notes: Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Works
What makes this dump-and-go teriyaki chicken shine is its balance of flavorsโsavory soy sauce meets the natural sweetness of honey, all infused with garlic and ginger. The slow cooker gently tenderizes the chicken, letting the sauce soak in for that signature glossy finish. Because itโs lower in sodium and free from refined sugar, this dish fits beautifully into a clean eating or Mediterranean-inspired diet. Pair it with steamed vegetables or brown rice for a fiber-packed, satisfying meal thatโs both healthy and comforting.
Nutrition & Storage Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Storage | Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months |
| Reheat | Microwave or stovetop until hot, add splash of water if needed |
Healthy Family Dinner Idea: Easy Chicken Teriyaki in the Crockpot
When life gets busy, slow cooker meals are lifesavers. This healthy chicken teriyaki recipe transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular with almost no effort. You can set it in the morning and return to dinner ready by eveningโno takeout needed. The gentle heat of the Crockpot infuses every bite with umami depth, while the honey and ginger bring light sweetness and warmth.
๐ Meal Prep and Serving Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Use this recipe as a base for multiple meals:
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a classic bowl.
- Wrap leftovers in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber for a light lunch.
- Toss with noodles or sautรฉed veggies for a teriyaki stir-fry twist.
- Add a fried egg and sliced avocado for a high-protein power bowl.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1โ2 hours. Always ensure chicken reaches 165ยฐF internally.
2. How can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Swap honey for monk fruit syrup or erythritol-based teriyaki glaze.
3. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 25โ30 minutes, covered, until cooked through.
4. What sides go well with teriyaki chicken?
Try steamed broccoli, sesame green beans, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
If you make this Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out โ I love hearing your kitchen stories! Tag @ChefSofiaCooks on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see your creations.
Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
An easy, healthy Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki recipe with honey, garlic, and soy sauceโperfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
ยฝ cup soy sauce
ยผ cup honey
ยผ cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp ginger
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds, green onions, cooked rice
Instructions
1. Whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken to Crockpot and pour sauce over.
3. Cook on LOW 5โ6 hours or HIGH 2ยฝโ3 hours.
4. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into sauce, thicken.
5. Shred chicken, toss with sauce, and serve.
Notes
Serve over rice or veggies. Great for meal prep. Gluten-free option with tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 85
Final Tips
For the best flavor, donโt skip the fresh gingerโit gives this Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki its authentic warmth. Double the sauce for stir-fry leftovers, and donโt forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving!
Printable Recipe Card
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Great site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!