Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Looking for an easy, flavorful, and family-approved dinner that basically cooks itself? This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With only a few ingredients and zero fuss, you can have a tender, saucy chicken dish ready to pair with rice, veggies, or noodles—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

If you’re new to dump and go crockpot recipes, the idea is simple: add everything to the slow cooker, set it, and walk away. This method is beloved by busy parents, meal preppers, and anyone who just wants a good meal with minimal effort. Wondering what gives teriyaki chicken its iconic flavor? According to Serious Eats, the secret lies in balancing soy sauce, sugar, and mirin or sake—though you can use simplified versions for crockpot cooking.

But what about slow cooker safety when using raw chicken and sauces? The USDA’s Food Safety Guide has clear guidelines to ensure your meal is both safe and delicious—key when cooking proteins at low temperatures.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

• No prep required—just dump everything in
• One pot meal = fewer dishes
• Kid-friendly flavors everyone loves
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer meals
• Makes great leftovers

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this dump and go teriyaki chicken:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup of teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: pineapple chunks, chopped bell peppers, broccoli

Ingredient Tips:

• Want it healthier? Use a low-sodium soy sauce and cut back the sugar
• Going gluten-free? Choose a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce or tamari
• Prefer chicken breasts? They’ll work fine, but be cautious of overcooking

How to Make Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker
2. In a small bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil
3. Pour sauce mixture over the chicken
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours
5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, remove chicken, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into sauce, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes
6. Shred or slice chicken and return to sauce before serving

Visual Tips:

• Layer veggies like pineapple, onions, or bell peppers on top of chicken
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F

Teriyaki Sauce Variations

Switch things up by trying these sauce alternatives:

• Sweet and tangy: add a splash of rice vinegar
• Spicy: stir in sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes
• Pineapple teriyaki: mix in pineapple juice or chunks
• Low-carb: use a sugar-free teriyaki sauce

What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken

This crockpot teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers)
• Lo mein noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
• Asian slaw or a crisp cucumber salad

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Make the most of your leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portioned containers or bags for up to 3 months
• Reheat in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out

Make It a Meal Prep Staple

• Portion into lunch containers with rice and veggies
• Freeze raw ingredients (chicken + sauce) in a zip bag and thaw overnight before slow cooking

Common Add-ins and Substitutions

Feel free to customize your meal:

• Add vegetables: snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, green beans
• Swap chicken for: pork loin, turkey breast, or even tofu
• Sauce upgrades: add honey for sweetness or hoisin for depth

Crockpot Tips for Beginners

• Use a 4–6 qt slow cooker for best results
• Avoid overfilling—ingredients should not exceed two-thirds full
• Don’t open the lid during cooking—heat loss delays cooking time
• Use slow cooker liners for easier cleanup

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in a crockpot?
It’s not recommended. Always thaw chicken first for food safety.

How do I thicken the sauce in the crockpot?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and stir it in during the last 15 minutes.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! 3–4 hours on high works well, but low and slow yields juicier chicken.

What vegetables go well in teriyaki chicken?
Try broccoli, red bell peppers, onions, or even baby corn.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! Just check the sodium and sugar content if you’re watching your intake.

How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and consider adding water or pineapple juice to dilute strong sauces.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is your go-to solution when time is short but cravings are big. With almost zero prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy weekends. Make it once and you’ll be hooked on how easy and delicious crockpot dinners can be.

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