This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowl recipe is one of those easy slow cooker meals that delivers so much flavor with almost no effort. You just toss everything in, and a few hours later, you get tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet, and garlicky teriyaki-style sauce that tastes better than takeout.
A few months ago, I was craving something flavorful but didn’t want to stand over the stove after a long day. That’s when this dish came to life: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and the most comforting aroma filling the kitchen.
It fits perfectly into busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something homemade without much work. The chicken turns out soft, juicy, and full of that sticky honey-soy flavor everyone loves. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that feels special but stays simple.
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crock Pot Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and comforting.
Simple to make: Just mix the sauce, toss in the chicken, and let the crock pot do its thing.
Bold flavors: The honey, garlic, and soy sauce blend into a deep, rich teriyaki glaze.
Great texture: The chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily, soaking up every drop of sauce.
Versatile meal: Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
Family-friendly: Everyone loves it, even picky eaters.
Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Steamed broccoli
- Cooked white or brown rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the base of all the flavor, so make sure it’s nicely balanced, sweet, tangy, and a little garlicky.
2. Add Chicken to the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the crock pot, spreading them out evenly. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure all pieces are coated well. The chicken will absorb the flavors as it cooks slowly, becoming tender and juicy.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2½–3 hours. When the chicken is fully cooked, it should shred easily with two forks. Don’t rush this part, the slow cooking helps the sauce soak deep into the meat.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot and set it aside. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce left in the pot. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for 10–15 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir until it’s fully coated with the thickened sauce. Spoon it over bowls of fluffy rice and top with sesame seeds, green onions, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Customize the flavor: Add a splash of pineapple juice or orange juice for a fruity twist.
- Add some spice: Stir in a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Healthier version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut back slightly on honey and sugar.
- Make it veggie-packed: Add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Meal prep idea: Store in airtight containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are great for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying. Serve them over fluffy jasmine rice or noodles with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies.
When I make this for dinner, I like to sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for color and crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a fried egg on the side for extra protein, it makes the bowl feel like something straight from a cozy Asian restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and flavor absorption.
How do I make it thicker?
The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, but you can also simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes if you want it stickier.
Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Absolutely. Just simmer the sauce and chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickens.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the best rice to serve with it?
Jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly, but brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice are great options too.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are everything you want in a weeknight dinner: easy, flavorful, and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that tastes like pure comfort.
I love how this meal brings a little restaurant-style magic right to the kitchen with barely any effort. Whether you’re feeding family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s one of those dishes that never disappoints and always leaves the house smelling amazing.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowls – Easy and Flavorful Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening
Optional Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Steamed broccoli
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add chicken to crock pot and pour sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2½–3 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and set aside.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
- Return chicken to sauce, mix well, and serve over rice or noodles.







