You want dinner done with zero effort. You want flavor that slaps. You want a meal that doesn’t involve staring at a stove like it’s your ex’s Instagram.
Enter Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken—the culinary equivalent of hitting the easy button. Throw everything in, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you tried. Your crockpot does the work while you do… literally anything else.
Who said delicious can’t be lazy?
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another crockpot recipe. It’s stupidly simple, packed with flavor, and practically foolproof. The teriyaki sauce caramelizes into sticky-sweet perfection, and the chicken turns so tender it practically shreds itself.
Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even eat it straight from the pot (we won’t judge).
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work, but thighs are juicier)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar if you’re out)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re lazy)
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional, but adds a tangy kick)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (for color and crunch)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish, because pretty food tastes better)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dump the chicken into the crockpot. No chopping, no searing—just toss it in.
- Add the teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice. Stir lightly to coat the chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Walk away. Binge a show. Pretend you’re busy.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
It should fall apart like your resolve to meal prep.
- Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Add bell peppers and cook another 15 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice and pretend you’re a gourmet chef.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for instant lazy meals.
Benefits of This Recipe
This recipe is time-efficient, budget-friendly, and family-approved.
It’s perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or when you’re too tired to adult. The ingredients are flexible, so you can customize it based on what’s in your pantry. Plus, it tastes like takeout without the markup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken.
If it’s dry, you’ve gone too far. Stick to the recommended times.
- Using low-quality teriyaki sauce. The sauce is the star—don’t cheap out.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry.
Without it, the sauce stays thin and sad.
- Adding the bell peppers too early. They’ll turn to mush. Nobody wants mushy peppers.
Alternatives
No chicken?
Use pork or tofu. Out of teriyaki sauce? Mix soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar.
Hate bell peppers? Try broccoli or snap peas. Crockpot broken?
Bake it at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. See? No excuses.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier.
If you use breasts, reduce the cook time by 30 minutes to avoid dryness.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Absolutely. Swap in brown sugar, maple syrup, or even agave. The goal is sweetness—how you get there is up to you.
Is pineapple juice necessary?
Nope, but it adds a tangy depth.
If you skip it, add a splash of water or orange juice to keep the sauce balanced.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
100%. Dump everything in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day. Easy mode activated.
Why is my sauce too thin?
You probably skipped the cornstarch slurry.
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir it in, and let it cook for 10–15 more minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate hack for lazy cooks who still want to eat like royalty. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and zero guilt. FYI, your future self will thank you when dinner’s ready and you’ve done nothing but press a button.
Now go forth and be gloriously lazy.