Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: The Ultimate Easy Dinner

If you’re short on time but craving something delicious, Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this slow cooker dish brings together the rich, sweet, and savory notes of teriyaki sauce in a no-fuss way that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep Sundays.

Unlike traditional cooking methods, dump-and-go recipes eliminate the need for pre-searing, chopping, or constant stirring. Just toss in your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and walk away. This method is ideal for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone who wants to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

For those concerned about food safety with hands-off cooking, it’s essential to follow proper temperature guidelines. Make sure your chicken reaches the right internal temperature using a food-safe thermometer. The USDA offers excellent guidance on safe cooking temperatures to keep your meals healthy and safe.

The beauty of teriyaki chicken is its ability to blend taste with function. The inclusion of ingredients like garlic and ginger not only enhances flavor but also brings health benefits. According to Healthline, these ingredients can reduce inflammation and boost immunity—an added bonus to an already tasty dish.

What is Dump and Go Cooking?

Dump and go is exactly what it sounds like: a cooking method where you add all your ingredients into the Crockpot or slow cooker at once and let it cook unattended. It’s the epitome of convenience cooking.

Benefits include:

• No prep or sautéing required
• One-pot cleanup
• Consistent and even cooking
• Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken dinner—it’s a lifesaver for busy nights.

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Family-friendly flavors kids will love
• Works with both chicken breasts and thighs
• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers

Ingredients Breakdown

The key to great dump and go teriyaki chicken is simplicity, but each ingredient plays a role.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ¾ cup teriyaki sauce (bottled or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Optional: pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots

Substitutions:

• Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
• Swap sugar for a low-carb sweetener
• Add chili flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place chicken in the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
5. Optional: In the last 30 minutes, add vegetables if using.
6. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot or serve whole.

Tip: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, add to the Crockpot, and cook on high for 10 more minutes.

Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)

If you’d rather skip the store-bought bottle, homemade teriyaki sauce is super easy.

Basic Homemade Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)

Bring all ingredients (except cornstarch) to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with water, add, and simmer until thickened. Taste and adjust as needed.

Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result
• Avoid overcooking—check internal temp at 4-hour mark
• Add veggies at the end to prevent mushiness
• Use Crockpot liners for easy cleanup
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

Pair this dish with something simple and satisfying.

• Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
• Lo mein noodles or soba noodles
• Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
• Asian-style cucumber salad or slaw

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water
• Freeze in individual portions or full meals for up to 3 months

Pro tip: Always let food cool completely before freezing to preserve texture.

How to Turn It into a Freezer Meal

Want to save even more time? Make a freezer-to-Crockpot meal bag.

Instructions:

• Add raw chicken and all sauce ingredients to a freezer-safe bag
• Label with date and cooking instructions
• Lay flat to freeze
• Thaw overnight in fridge before cooking

Nutrition Facts and Health Considerations

Dump and go teriyaki chicken can be as healthy as you make it.

• Low in saturated fat (especially with breasts)
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt
• Make your own sauce to avoid additives
• For low-carb, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice

Curious about lowering sodium? The Mayo Clinic offers excellent tips on reducing salt in meals.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
It’s not recommended by food safety authorities. Always thaw first to avoid bacteria growth.

Can I cook this in the Instant Pot or stovetop?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a quick release. For stovetop, simmer on low until cooked through.

What vegetables go well in teriyaki chicken?
Try bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, onions, or snap peas.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook on high for 10 minutes.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! Choose one with low sugar and sodium if possible.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and freezes beautifully.

Can I make this spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.

Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle saver. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish checks every box: easy, tasty, freezer-friendly, and family-approved. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it’s the kind of recipe that never fails.

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