There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into the slow cooker and coming back hours later to a meal that smells like it simmered all day on the stovetop. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made this Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. I was juggling laundry, emails, and a clingy toddler; cooking dinner felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But a few pantry staples and chicken breasts saved the day.
This recipe has become a family favorite; not just because of the ease, but because of the flavor. My husband, who never misses the chance to comment on spice levels or textures, took one bite and said, “This is restaurant-level good.” And just like that, it made its way into our weekly meal rotation.
If you love recipes that deliver big flavor with little fuss, this teriyaki chicken recipe is about to become your go-to too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Stress-Free Prep
The best part about this crockpot teriyaki chicken is that you can literally dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and walk away. There’s no browning, sautéing, or extra dishes. Just set it and forget it.
This meal has been my savior on chaotic days. It’s right up there with our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings when it comes to “bare minimum effort, maximum reward” dinners.
Sweet, Savory & Kid-Approved
The teriyaki sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks, coating the chicken in a sticky glaze that clings to your rice or noodles. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and deeply satisfying. Even picky eaters get on board with this one; because it’s that good.
If you’ve tried our Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, you know how a slow cooker can transform simple sauces into magic. This is the same story.
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Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
An easy Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe made with pantry staples. Sweet, sticky, and perfect over rice.
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
4. Remove chicken and shred.
5. Stir cornstarch slurry into sauce. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 min to thicken.
6. Return chicken to crockpot and mix.
7. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking.
Store leftovers in fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring this dump and go crockpot chicken teriyaki to life:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Low sodium soy sauce | ½ cup |
| Honey or brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch + water | 2 tbsp each |
| Sesame seeds + green onions | For garnish |
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
How to Make It
1. Dump It All In
Place the chicken in your slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
2. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
3. Thicken the Sauce
Remove chicken and shred. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Let it cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
4. Return Chicken & Serve
Return shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
If you enjoy simple dump-style meals, you’ll also love our Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken which is equally addictive.
Tips & Easy Variations
Make It Your Way
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli in the last hour for a full one-pot meal.
- Spice it up: Stir in a bit of sriracha or crushed red pepper for heat.
- Swap proteins: Works with boneless chicken thighs or even beef tenderloin.
Storing & Reheating
This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the sauciness.
Another flavorful option for slow-cooked meats is our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites; great for mixing things up during the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of chicken works best for crockpot teriyaki chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy longer.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! Cook on high for 2–3 hours, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce in a saucepan on the stove if you prefer.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Absolutely. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Final Serving
Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is what weeknight dreams are made of: simple ingredients, no-fuss prep, and seriously satisfying flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you can keep in your back pocket for days when dinner needs to cook itself.
Whether you’re serving it over fluffy jasmine rice or wrapping it in lettuce cups, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is versatile, family-friendly, and meal-prep approved.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
