© Original recipe by Savor & Snap ©
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Effortless Dinners 🍍🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful and tender Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken that requires minimal effort, look no further! This slow cooker chicken recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a tangy, sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. The beauty of this easy dinner recipe is that it cooks itself, delivering a delicious meal with very little prep work. Whether you’re new to slow cooker cooking or a seasoned home chef, this pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe promises juicy results every time.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by arranging the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Cooking the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover with the lid and set your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender, flavorful, and easy to shred if desired.
Adding Pineapple and Thicken Sauce
Halfway through cooking, add the pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical twist. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking. Increase the heat to high, and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened.
Serving the Teriyaki Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks for easy serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
4. Storage Tips for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
This crockpot teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently in a skillet until heated through. Make sure to store the sauce separately if you prefer to keep the chicken and sauce fresh.
5. Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Complete your meal with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty bowl.
- Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a nutritious boost.
- Top with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Pair with a refreshing Asian-inspired salad or a side of edamame.
If you’re looking for complementary dishes, explore our creamy parmesan spinach and mushroom pasta skillet or check out other quick dinner ideas for inspiration.
6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Consider investing in these high-quality kitchen gadgets:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quick side dishes or reheating leftovers with less oil.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Essential for preparing and reheating various components of your meal.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – For those who want a complete indoor grilling experience.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer – Helpful if you’d like to make additional side dishes or desserts.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and will cook faster, about 4-6 hours on low in the crockpot. Keep an eye on tenderness to prevent overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but ensure you choose a gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can be added during cooking for more color and nutrition.
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep takes just about 10 minutes. The slow cooking process is the most time-consuming part, but it’s mostly hands-off cooking for 6-8 hours.
8. Conclusion
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy days when you want a flavorful, homemade dinner without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or sides. Give it a try and enjoy effortless, delicious meals that warm your soul!
Print
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for Effortless Dinners
A savory crockpot chicken dish glazed with teriyaki sauce, ready to serve with rice and vegetables.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot and pour teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and honey over it.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well to coat with the sauce.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust sweetness with honey according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-free (check soy sauce)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg