Fall-Apart Teriyaki Chicken (Crockpot Recipe)

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of meal that makes you look like you have your life together—even if you threw it in the slow cooker while still in your pajamas. It’s tender, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. The best part? Minimal effort, maximum reward.

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Yes, I used bottled teriyaki sauce. And guess what? It works. No shame in that game when it means dinner basically makes itself. But if you’re feeling extra, I’ve got a quick homemade teriyaki sauce option below. Either way, just toss everything in the crockpot, let it do its thing, and come back to fall-apart, flavor-packed chicken that pairs perfectly with rice and veggies.

What You’ll Need:

This recipe is all about simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.

• Whole Chicken – The key to juicy, tender meat that shreds effortlessly.

• Onion & Garlic – The flavor foundation.

• Teriyaki Sauce – Store-bought or homemade (your call!).

• Honey – Adds a little sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper – The perfect seasoning blend.

• Parsley – Because a little garnish makes it feel fancy.

How to Make It:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick.

In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this all over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Place sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker and set the seasoned chicken on top.

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, covering all sides. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of honey for extra caramelized goodness.

Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. About halfway through, flip the chicken upside down to make sure every part gets immersed in that delicious sauce.

Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot or transfer it to a bowl and pull it apart with forks.

Spoon over extra cooking juices, drizzle with the remaining honey, and garnish with parsley.

Serve it up over steamed white rice with a side of vegetables, and dinner is done.

Want to Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce?

If you forgot to grab a bottle at the store (or just want to impress yourself), here’s an easy homemade version:

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp honey

• ½ cup soy sauce

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Let it simmer until slightly thickened, taste, and adjust as needed.

Yield: 6-8

Author: Sippin Foodie

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Fall-Apart Teriyaki Chicken (Crockpot Recipe)

This crockpot teriyaki chicken is super tender, full of flavor, and couldn’t be easier to make. Spoiler alert: I used bottled teriyaki sauce because we’re busy and there’s no shame in that game. But, if you do want to make your own (or just forgot to grab a bottle at the store), it takes all of 10 minutes, and I break down the easiest way to do it below. Just toss everything in the crockpot, let it do its thing, and boom—fall-apart, flavor-packed chicken with zero stress. You’re welcome.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 5 HourTotal time: 5 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (5-6 lbs)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 21 oz teriyaki sauce (Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki recommended)
• 3 tbsp honey, divided
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1-2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub seasoning all over chicken.
3. Place sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chicken on top.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken, covering all sides. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons honey.
5. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Halfway through, flip chicken upside down to immerse the top side into the sauce.
6. Once cooked, shred chicken directly in the pot or remove and shred using forks.
7. Transfer shredded chicken to a bowl, spoon over extra cooking juices, drizzle with remaining honey, and garnish with parsley.
8. Serve over white rice with a side of steamed vegetables. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ridiculously Easy – Toss it in the crockpot and walk away.
✔️ Fall-Apart Tender – Slow cooking = juicy, flavorful chicken.
✔️ Customizable – Use store-bought teriyaki or make your own.
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Leftovers are amazing over rice, in sandwiches, or even tacos.

This is the kind of meal that makes busy nights way less stressful—and honestly, you’ll be tempted to make it every week.