Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Weeknights (Print Version)
Make delicious Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken with minimal effort. Tender chicken in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Chicken Base
01 -
1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces)
→ Teriyaki Sauce Essentials
02 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 -
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
04 -
1/4 cup rice vinegar
05 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
08 -
2 tbsp cold water
→ Serving & Garnish
09 -
Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
10 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
11 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab those chicken thighs. Give them a quick pat dry with a paper towel – it just helps everything stick better, you know? Then, just toss them right into your slow cooker. No need to sear or do anything fancy, this is 'dump and go' after all! I usually pile them in, making sure they're mostly in a single layer, but honestly, a little overlap won't hurt a thing. See? Easy peasy already, and we’re on our way to delicious Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.
02 -
Now, in a medium bowl, let's get that glorious teriyaki sauce together. Whisk up the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Seriously, take a moment to smell it – that fresh ginger and garlic combo is just heavenly. I always give it a good, enthusiastic whisk to make sure the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. This is where the magic really starts for our Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, building those deep flavors.
03 -
Go ahead and pour that beautiful sauce right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all those chicken pieces are nicely coated. It doesn't have to be perfect, just get it in there! Then, pop the lid on. Set your crockpot to low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. I usually go for low if I'm leaving it all day, but high works if you're in a bit of a rush. The house will start smelling incredible, I promise! The aroma of the Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken fills the air.
04 -
Once the chicken is super tender and practically falling apart – you'll know, it just looks so inviting! – carefully remove the chicken to a plate. Now, for the sauce: in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a couple tablespoons of cold water. Make sure it's smooth, no lumps! Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the crockpot and give it a good stir. Let it cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's thickened to your liking. It should be glossy and lovely.
05 -
While the sauce is thickening, grab two forks and shred that tender chicken. It should just fall apart with hardly any effort. I usually do this right on the plate I removed it to. Once it's all shredded, carefully return the chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it gently into that now-thickened, glorious teriyaki sauce. This step always makes me so happy, seeing it all come together. The aroma is just *chef's kiss*, and your Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is almost ready.
06 -
And there you have it! Your Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is ready. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. I love to sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor. It looks so vibrant and inviting, honestly. Take a big scoop and enjoy that truly comforting, savory-sweet goodness. It’s always a winner, trust me, a perfect meal for any day.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the chicken; it'll dry out even in a slow cooker, so stick to the recommended times.
02 -
Always mix cornstarch with cold water first to avoid lumps in your sauce – a mistake I've made too many times!
03 -
Fresh ginger and garlic make *all* the difference; honestly, don't skip them for the best flavor.
04 -
For an extra vibrant dish, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts at the end.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Forks for shredding
05 -
Small bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g