This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that you’ll want to add to your weekly meal rotation. This simple slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy delicious and tender teriyaki chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I love slow cooker teriyaki chicken
I’m a big fan of this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe because it’s just so darn easy. With simple ingredients like bottled teriyaki sauce, it’s perfect for busy days when I don’t have time to cook from scratch. I love how convenient it is – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while I go about my day. And the best part? Coming home to a delicious, flavorful meal ready to be shredded and served. It’s a total lifesaver on hectic weeknights!
What do you need?
Chicken
This recipe uses fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you have frozen chicken, that’s fine too. Just be sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking.
>> Related post: Can You Cook Chicken from Frozen?
You can also use skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breast. Keep in mind, cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly as thighs may cook faster than breast.
Teriyaki sauce
Bottled teryaki sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe. The sauce helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks, while also adding a classic sweet smoky teriyaki flavor.
Seasonings
This recipe uses a simple mix of garlic powder, salt and pepper.
A slow cooker or Crockpot
This recipe uses a slow cooker or crockpot, or you can use a multi-cooker (or Instant Pot) with a slow cook function.
How to make teriyaki chicken in your slow cooker
This recipe is incredibly simple to make, there are just a handful of steps to getting it just right:
- Add the ingredients to the slow cooker. Season the chicken on both sides with the seasonings, then place in the slow cooker bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, and flip the chicken over to make sure it is coated on all sides.
- Slow cook the chicken. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and slow cook the chicken on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Shred the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be really easy to shred with two forks, if it is not, it needs a little longer in the slow cooker.
- Serve your delicious slow cooker pulled chicken over rice, with steamed vegetables on the side!
Serving ideas
For some tasty ways to serve this teriyaki chicken try:
- Over steamed rice. Top with sesame seeds and scallions.
- In lettuce wraps or sandwiches. Add veggies and teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
- Added to salads or grain bowls. Pair with foods like edamame, carrots, cabbage, etc.
- Added to fried rice or veggie stir fry dishes.
- Served over zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables instead of grains.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs / 900 g chicken breast (4 pieces)
- 2 cups teriyaki sauce (1x 17oz bottle)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker then pour the teriyaki sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker, then slow cook chicken breasts for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
- Once the chicken is cooked through [Note 1], shred the chicken using two forks. If the chicken does not come apart easily using forks, let it cook for a bit longer.
Notes
- Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches at least 165°F / 74°C in the center.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
