Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This crock pot teriyaki chicken is basically a magic trick that turns six simple ingredients into a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really you just dumped everything into one pot and walked away.

The sweet pineapple chunks get all jammy and caramelized while the carrots turn perfectly tender, creating this amazing sauce that coats every bite of juicy chicken.

Plus, when you serve it over fluffy rice, you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s somehow both comforting and exotic at the same time.

Ingredients List

The beauty of this recipe is that you probably already have most of these ingredients hanging out in your kitchen right now.

• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1/2 red onion, cut into large chunks
• 20 ounces pineapple chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 4 chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce

• rice
• Fresh vs. frozen: Baby carrots can be fresh or frozen, though fresh will hold their shape better during the long cooking time.
• Pineapple swap: Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly fine if fresh isn’t available, just drain them first.
• Chicken choice: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you could substitute thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
• Teriyaki sauce: Store-bought saves time, but homemade versions often have less sodium and sugar if you’re watching those numbers.
• Rice variety: Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients compared to white rice, though it’ll need longer cooking time on the side.

Step by Step Directions



This slow cooker recipe couldn’t be simpler – just dump everything in and let it cook while you go about your day.

• Place 1 lb baby carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Add 1/2 red onion cut into large chunks.
• Layer in 20 ounces pineapple chunks.
• Sprinkle 2 chopped garlic cloves over the mixture.
• Place 4 chicken breasts on top.
• Pour 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce evenly over everything.
• Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
• Prepare rice according to package directions.
• Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetables over the cooked rice.

A premium slow cooker will deliver consistently tender, flavorful results with its superior temperature control and even heat distribution.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add some crunch – Toss in a handful of cashews or water chestnuts during the last 30 minutes for texture contrast.
• Low-sodium version – Use reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce and add extra garlic, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar to boost the flavor without all the salt.

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

This tender, sweet chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides that you’ll never get bored.

• Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, snap peas, or green beans soak up that glossy teriyaki sauce like little flavor sponges.
• Coconut rice – Because regular rice is fine, but coconut rice makes you feel like you’re dining somewhere tropical instead of your kitchen table.
• Asian slaw – The crisp, fresh crunch cuts through all that rich sweetness perfectly.
• Roasted sweet potatoes – They complement the pineapple’s natural sweetness while adding some hearty substance to your plate.
• Steamed edamame – Simple, healthy, and gives you something to fidget with while you savor each bite.
• Egg rolls or pot stickers – If you’re feeling fancy and want to turn this into a full Asian-inspired feast.
• Simple cucumber salad – Thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar provide a rejuvenating palate cleanser between bites of that sticky-sweet chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

A few smart moves can turn your good crock pot chicken into absolutely spectacular teriyaki perfection.

• Don’t lift that lid – I know you want to peek, but every time you open it, you’re adding 15-20 minutes to your cook time and letting all that lovely steam escape.
• Pat your chicken dry first – Wet chicken creates watery sauce, and nobody wants diluted teriyaki when you could have rich, glossy goodness instead.
• Layer smartly – Put your harder vegetables like carrots on the bottom where they’ll get more heat, then nestle the chicken on top.
• Save some sauce for later – Set aside a few tablespoons of fresh teriyaki before it goes in the pot, then drizzle it over the finished dish for that restaurant-quality glaze.
• Shred or slice before serving – Whole chicken breasts straight from the crock pot look a bit sad and pale, but shredded or sliced chicken soaks up more sauce and looks infinitely more appetizing.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes – The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, and you won’t burn your tongue on molten pineapple chunks, which is always a win.
• Taste and adjust – Some teriyaki sauces are saltier than others, so have some honey or brown sugar handy if your final dish needs a touch more sweetness.

Nutritional Facts

This hearty crock pot meal delivers solid nutrition alongside all that delicious flavor.

• Protein powerhouse – Each serving provides approximately 35-40 grams of lean protein from the chicken breast, supporting muscle health and keeping you satisfied.
• Vitamin A boost – Those baby carrots pack a serious nutritional punch with over 100% of your daily vitamin A needs for healthy vision and immune function.
• Vitamin C surprise – The pineapple and red onion combine to deliver about 80% of your daily vitamin C requirement.
• Low in saturated fat – Using chicken breast keeps saturated fat to just 2-3 grams per serving.
• Moderate calories – Each portion (without rice) contains roughly 280-320 calories, making it a reasonable dinner option.
• Natural enzymes – Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fiber content – The vegetables contribute about 4-5 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
• Sodium awareness – Teriyaki sauce can be high in sodium (600-800mg per serving), so choose low-sodium varieties when possible.
• Natural sugars – The pineapple adds natural sweetness along with about 15-18 grams of natural fruit sugars.

Fun “Did You Know?”

Ever wonder why teriyaki sauce tastes so perfectly balanced?

It’s because “teriyaki” literally means “glossy grilled” in Japanese – “teri” for shine and “yaki” for grilled. The sauce’s sweet-salty harmony comes from just four traditional ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.

I find it fascinating that pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that naturally tenderizes chicken while we’re slow cooking.

That’s why our crock pot version turns out so incredibly tender! The slow cooking process also allows the pineapple’s natural sugars to caramelize, creating that restaurant-quality glaze we all love.