Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or quinoa; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations

I love how effortlessly this Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken comes together. The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible, and my family can’t get enough of the sweet and savory flavors. Cooking it in the crockpot allows the chicken to become wonderfully tender, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Plus, I appreciate that I can prep everything in the morning and come home to a delicious meal that practically cooks itself. It's definitely a go-to recipe in our house for busy days.

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:46:30.395Z

Making this Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken has become a cherished ritual in my home. I remember the first time I followed this recipe, unsure about how the flavors would meld together. To my surprise, the combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic created a mouthwatering glaze that enveloped the chicken beautifully. The crockpot method really shines, as the low and slow cooking infuses the meat with all that incredible flavor.

One of my favorite tips when preparing this dish is to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions right before serving. Not only do they enhance the visual appeal, but they also add a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The result is a balanced dish that satisfies everyone at the table.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Rich, sweet, and savory flavors that everyone adores
Perfectly tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
Customizable with your favorite vegetables

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The chicken breasts form the base of this dish, offering a lean protein that readily absorbs the sauce’s flavors. Choosing boneless, skinless chicken eliminates excess fat and allows the honey teriyaki sauce to permeate the meat more effectively. If you're looking for a variation, thighs can add a richer taste, but be mindful that they may require slightly longer cooking time.

Honey serves not only as a sweetener but also as a tenderizer, thanks to its natural enzymes. When mixed with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, it creates a balanced sauce that’s both sticky and luscious. If you're out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar could work as suitable substitutes while providing a distinct taste.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

For the best results, ensure the chicken is spaced evenly in the crockpot to cook uniformly. If the pieces are overlapping, it can lead to uneven cooking. The low setting is crucial in this recipe, allowing the chicken to become tender over four hours without dry spots, resulting in a texture that effortlessly falls apart when shredded.

Shredding the chicken after cooking is essential to achieve maximum flavor absorption. When you return the shredded meat to the sauce, it needs just a few minutes to reheat, ensuring every bite is infused with that delectable honey teriyaki taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Cooked rice or quinoa
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until combined.

Add Chicken to Crockpot

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.

Pour Sauce Over Chicken

Pour the prepared honey teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.

Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return it to the sauce to coat.

Serve the chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your easy and delicious meal!

Pro Tips

You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the crockpot for a complete meal. Simply add them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are perfectly tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your crockpot honey teriyaki chicken over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa elevates the dish, soaking up the savory sauce beautifully. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds not only a pop of color but also a subtle crunch that complements the tender chicken.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. You can toss them into the crockpot in the last hour of cooking to preserve their texture and brightness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce overnight in the fridge for a boost of flavor. Additionally, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner.

To freeze, portion the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags with some sauce. It can last up to three months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce's consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time to about 6-7 hours.

→ Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the honey teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.