Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

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🍗 Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken thighs recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Made with juicy chicken thighs, store-bought teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger, this easy crockpot dinner delivers tender, saucy chicken with bold sweet-and-savory flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

✔ Only 6 simple ingredients
✔ Minimal prep time
✔ Sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor
✔ Perfect for rice bowls and meal prep
✔ Family-friendly comfort food

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup store-bought teriyaki sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

👩‍🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Add Chicken to Slow Cooker

Place the raw chicken thighs in an even layer in a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Slight overlap is fine, but avoid stacking tightly.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Chicken broth
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated fresh ginger

Mix until fully combined and honey is dissolved.

Step 3: Pour & Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure all pieces are coated.

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 4–5 hours, or
  • HIGH for 2–3 hours

The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.

Step 4: Shred & Coat

Using two forks, gently shred or roughly chop the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to coat in the glossy teriyaki sauce.

Optional: Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce:

  • Remove ½ cup cooking liquid
  • Simmer in a small saucepan for 3–5 minutes
  • Pour back over the chicken

🍚 How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

Serve hot over:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Short-grain white rice
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa

Top with:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Steamed edamame
  • Roasted broccoli or green beans

For extra crunch, add a quick cabbage slaw with rice vinegar dressing.

🔥 Variations & Tips

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken:
Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce.

Less Sweet Option:
Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon or omit.

Add Vegetables:
Layer sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots in the slow cooker before cooking.

More Sesame Flavor:
Add 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil to the sauce.

🥡 Leftover Ideas

This crockpot teriyaki chicken reheats beautifully and can be used for:

  • Teriyaki chicken rice bowls
  • Lettuce wraps
  • Fried rice
  • Asian-inspired meal prep containers
  • Teriyaki chicken sandwiches

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

⭐ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker chicken recipe, this 6-ingredient teriyaki chicken is a must-try. It’s rich, flavorful, and tastes like takeout — but made effortlessly at home.

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