If you’ve ever wished for a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself, this dump and go crockpot teriyaki chicken is your dream meal. It’s a savory-sweet classic that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort — perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family on a budget.

This recipe is a life-saver for anyone who’s ever juggled a tight schedule and still wanted to enjoy a homemade, comforting meal. You simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting. Within a few hours, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sticky, delicious teriyaki sauce that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

If you’re concerned about safely cooking raw chicken in a slow cooker, you’re not alone. The USDA provides clear guidelines on safe poultry preparation and cooking temperatures, reassuring home cooks that slow cooking raw meat is both safe and effective.

Plus, this dish is freezer-friendly, make-ahead approved, and ideal for batch cooking. Not sure how to freeze and reheat meals properly? The folks at EatRight.org have you covered with their guide on how to freeze and safely reheat homecooked meals.

Why This Recipe Works

Dump and go crockpot teriyaki chicken is more than a convenient recipe — it’s a solution for weeknight chaos.

Time-saving: Only 10 minutes of prep work
Versatile: Pairs with rice, noodles, or veggies
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spice, or even go gluten-free
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love the sweet-savory combo

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible slow cooker teriyaki chicken:

Chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs offer a richer flavor, while breasts are lean and shred easily
Soy sauce – Go for low-sodium; or use tamari for a gluten-free option
Brown sugar + white sugar – The key to that signature teriyaki sweetness
Mirin – Adds depth and umami; learn more about what mirin is and how to use it
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze
Garlic & fresh ginger – These aromatics add authentic Asian flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps and let your slow cooker do the magic:

Make the sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
  - ¾ cup soy sauce
  - ¾ cup brown sugar
  - ¼ cup white sugar
  - ⅓ cup mirin
  - 4 tbsp cornstarch
  - 2 tbsp water
  - 3 cloves minced garlic
  - 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
Layer ingredients
- Place 3 pounds of chicken in your crockpot
- Pour the sauce mixture over the top
Cook low and slow
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and juicy
Shred & coat
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks
- Return to crockpot and stir to coat in sauce
Serve hot
- Over white or brown rice
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
To Reheat:
- Microwave individual servings
- Or warm larger batches on the stovetop

Pro tip: Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just dump it in with the chicken and go!

Best Serving Ideas

This dish shines when paired with sides that soak up all that sticky, flavorful sauce:

White rice or jasmine rice
Brown rice for a healthier twist
Soba or ramen noodles
Steamed broccoli, snow peas, or stir-fried veggies
Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Recipe Variations & Substitutes

Make this crockpot teriyaki chicken your own with these swaps:

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha
Pineapple twist: Add a can of pineapple chunks for a sweet-tart burst
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar and skip white sugar for a lighter sauce
Frozen chicken: You can start with frozen chicken if needed—just extend the cook time slightly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken – Even in a slow cooker, chicken can get dry
Skipping the cornstarch – No thickener = runny sauce
Using skin-on chicken – It gets soggy and greasy
Not shredding in a separate bowl – It’s easier and cleaner than fishing pieces out of sauce

Nutrition & Health Considerations

A typical serving of this crockpot teriyaki chicken includes:

Calories: ~455
Protein: ~51g
Carbs: ~48g
Sugar: ~39g
Sodium: ~1990mg

To make it healthier:

Use reduced-sodium soy sauce
Opt for chicken breast over thighs
Cut back on added sugars
Serve with steamed veggies or lettuce wraps

How to Meal Prep with This Dish

Meal prep doesn’t get easier than this:

Double the recipe in a large crockpot
Freeze half in portions
Use leftovers in:
- Wraps with cabbage slaw
- Lunch bowls with quinoa
- Teriyaki chicken tacos
- Salad toppers

FAQs

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! Raw chicken is safe to cook in a crockpot, as it reaches safe internal temperatures slowly and evenly.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low?
Low is preferred for juicier results. High works in a pinch, but can slightly dry out the meat.

What else can I serve this with?
Besides rice, try it with:

Roasted sweet potatoes
Stir-fried vegetables
Buckwheat noodles

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but making it from scratch adds freshness and gives you control over sweetness and sodium levels.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch + water slurry does the trick. Add it early so it cooks into the glaze.

Can I prep it the night before?
Absolutely! Combine everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and just plug it in the next day.

Final Thoughts

This dump and go crockpot teriyaki chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, satisfying, and adaptable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks every box. And once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your dinner rotation.

Let the slow cooker take care of dinner tonight — your future self will thank you.