Teriyaki Glazed Crock Pot Chicken Thighs feature tender chicken coated in a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze with soy, honey, and ginger. Slow-cooked with garlic and a hint of sesame, this effortless crock pot dish delivers rich, umami-packed flavor—ideal for a comforting dinner that fills your home with enticing aromas.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Searing Boost: Sear the chicken thighs in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side—it adds a caramelized depth to the glaze.
- Glaze Thickness: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) in the last 30 minutes for a thicker, stickier sauce.
- Soy Balance: Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste the glaze—adjust honey or soy to perfect the sweet-salty mix.
- Ginger Freshness: Grate fresh ginger right before use—its zesty kick shines brighter than powdered.
- Garnish Pop: Add sesame seeds and green onions at the end—they stay crisp and add texture without cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Teriyaki Glazed Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe—it’s a flavor-packed, fuss-free delight that’ll make your taste buds sing! Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting scent of tender chicken thighs simmering in a sticky, sweet-and-savory teriyaki glaze, with the rich umami of soy sauce, the gentle sweetness of honey, and a zesty kick of ginger weaving through every bite. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning these boneless, skinless thighs into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that soaks up that glorious glaze until it’s bursting with flavor. You’ll love how this dish brings a taste of Asian-inspired comfort right to your table—perfect for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends. It’s hearty yet light, with that irresistible teriyaki shine that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies—everyone will be scraping their plates for more of that sticky goodness. The garlic adds a savory depth, the sesame oil brings a nutty finish, and the crock pot ensures you get all that deliciousness with barely any effort—just set it and let it work its magic. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a sweet, savory escape that’ll have you savoring every glazed, delicious bite and counting down to the next time you can make it!
Teriyaki Glazed Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky teriyaki glaze with soy and ginger.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s get this Teriyaki Glazed Crock Pot Chicken Thighs going—it’s going to be a sweet-and-savory sensation! First, grab your slow cooker and place those boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom—they’re the juicy stars, ready to soak up all that teriyaki goodness. No need to chop them; they’ll break apart beautifully later.
- If you’ve got a few extra minutes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden—it’s optional but adds such a tasty caramelized boost! Transfer them to the crock pot when done.
- Now, let’s whip up that sticky glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey (warm it a bit if it’s thick!), minced garlic (chop it fresh for that warm kick), grated ginger (peel and grate it right in—zing!), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir until it’s a smooth, glossy mix. Taste it—if you want it sweeter, add a touch more honey; if it’s too sweet, a bit more soy sauce will balance it out. Pour this delicious glaze over the chicken, letting it coat them like a savory-sweet hug.
- Pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry), and let it work its magic. Your kitchen’s going to fill with the most mouthwatering teriyaki aroma—pure bliss! If you want a thicker glaze, about 30 minutes before it’s done, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, stir it in, and let it finish cooking—the sauce will turn sticky and irresistible.
- When the time’s up, give it a peek—the chicken should be tender enough to shred with a fork. Stir gently to coat everything in that glossy glaze, breaking the thighs into bite-sized pieces if you like (they might fall apart on their own—that’s perfect!). Taste and adjust with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle those chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top—they’ll add a fresh, nutty finish that makes it pop.
- Serve it up hot over fluffy rice, noodles, or with steamed broccoli—whatever you’re craving to soak up that glorious glaze. You’ve just made a dish that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious—dig in and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite!
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but adds a lovely caramelized depth—perfect if you’ve got a few extra minutes.
- Leftovers are fantastic in stir-fries or wraps—the glaze gets even stickier overnight!
- Serve with extra soy sauce on the side if you’re a salty-sauce fan.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 340Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 184mgSodium 1090mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 16gProtein 39g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish, these thighs stay juicy and tender—perfect for soaking up the teriyaki glaze. Fresh, even cuts are ideal.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce provides salty, umami depth—keeps the glaze balanced without overpowering.
- Honey: Pure honey adds natural sweetness—balances the soy and gives the glaze its sticky shine.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warm, savory flavor—use plump cloves for the best punch.
- Ginger: Fresh grated ginger adds a zesty, spicy kick—peel and grate it fresh for maximum flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash brings subtle tanginess—enhances the glaze without dominating the sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty richness—use sparingly for a perfect finish.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish juicy—forms the base of the sauce.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions garnish with a fresh, crisp bite—use the green tops for color.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch—optional but recommended for texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or pork tenderloin for a different twist—adjust cooking time slightly for breasts.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Swap honey for maple syrup for a woodsy sweetness, or brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- Soy Substitutes: Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free, slightly sweeter option—adjust sweetness accordingly.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat—keep it mild to let the teriyaki shine.
- Veggie Additions: Toss in sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks in the last hour—adds color and a sweet crunch.
- Vinegar Swap: Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or mirin—mirin adds a sweeter, traditional Japanese touch.
- Herb Twist: Swap green onions for cilantro or chives—each brings a different fresh finish.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to keep the glaze intact.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the glaze and chicken the night before; store in the fridge and assemble in the crock pot in the morning.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Teriyaki Glazed Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Spicy Buffalo Boneless Chicken Thighs (Crock Pot Recipe)