Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe – So Easy, So Good

Life gets busy—but your meals don’t have to suffer for it. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe saved my week more times than I can count. I first made it during a packed workweek, hoping to prep something warm, flavorful, and filling without being glued to the stove. The result? Fall-apart chicken drenched in a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce that made my whole kitchen smell amazing. I served it over rice with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds—and just like that, my house turned into a cozy Japanese diner.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or just craving something comforting, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe is one you’ll want in your rotation. It’s become a favorite in my kitchen, perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and even meal prep. Let’s break it down step by step so you can make it just as good.

Table of Contents
Close-up of Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice with glossy sauce, pineapple chunks, and sesame seeds
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice – Slow-cooked with sweet teriyaki glaze, tender chicken, and fluffy rice

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Magic

A Set-It-and-Forget-It Weeknight Hero

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe fits perfectly into any schedule. You dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, go about your day, and return to a dinner that’s ready and irresistible. The chicken thighs cook low and slow, soaking up a rich blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Every bite of this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe melts in your mouth with deep umami flavor.

The simplicity is a big win. You don’t need to sauté or pre-cook anything. Just stir together the sauce, add chicken and pineapple, cover, and walk away. The rice goes in at the end, which keeps it from turning to mush—more on that trick below.

Flavor That Rivals Takeout

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating takeout-style favorites at home. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe has that same sweet-savory balance you crave, without the excess oil or MSG. Pineapple chunks and their juice add just the right amount of acidity to round out the sauce. And the sesame oil, though subtle, brings it all together with a nutty aroma.

Once thickened with a cornstarch slurry, the sauce clings beautifully to each piece of chicken and grain of rice. It’s sticky, shiny, and ready to be devoured.

Easy Prep, Big Payoff Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe

Pantry Ingredients with a Punch

What makes this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe so beginner-friendly is how approachable the ingredients are. Most of them might already be in your pantry: soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Just add chicken thighs, a can of pineapple, and some cooked rice and you’re golden.

Here’s the full ingredient list:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 packs pre-cooked rice
  • 1/2 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

This recipe is flexible too. You can sub in chicken breasts, add chopped bell peppers, or stir in steamed broccoli at the end. It holds up great in the fridge, making leftovers a bonus.

The Rice Trick That Saves the Texture

One common question is: Can you put uncooked rice in a crockpot? You can, but not for this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe. Using pre-cooked rice keeps the grains separate and avoids that soggy texture slow cookers often cause.

Microwaving the rice slightly before stirring it into the slow cooker helps it blend easily into the hot teriyaki chicken mixture. After 30 minutes on High, the rice soaks in the flavors without breaking down. The result is firm, flavorful rice in every bite.

Cooking Steps That Guarantee Success

Homemade Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice with sticky teriyaki sauce and sesame seed garnish
Tender chicken and fluffy rice coated in sweet teriyaki sauce—an easy crockpot dinner favorite

Foolproof Crockpot Timing

Here’s exactly how to make this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe step-by-step:

  1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a slow cooker. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Add the can of pineapple (with juice) and the chopped chicken. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
  5. Microwave the rice packets for 1 minute to loosen the grains. Stir rice into the crockpot mixture.
  6. Cover and cook on High for another 30 minutes.
  7. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

The result? Sweet, tender chicken in a glossy sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy rice and crunchy green onions.

Chicken and Rice in One Pot—Yes, You Can

Many people ask: Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. But for this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe, it’s better to cook them separately for texture reasons. The chicken needs more time to absorb the sauce and tenderize, while rice overcooks easily in long heat exposure.

That’s why this recipe uses pre-cooked rice, stirred in only for the last 30 minutes. It’s the secret to achieving those beautiful, chewy grains without ending up with mush.

Here are some recipes you might also enjoy:

Conclusion

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and stress-free. It’s a one-pot wonder with rich flavor, juicy chicken, and satisfying rice—all without turning on your stove. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or prepping meals ahead, this dish delivers every time.

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FAQs About Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Can I put uncooked rice in a crockpot?

Yes, but it requires adjusting the liquid and cooking time. For this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe, using pre-cooked rice ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy.

Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?

You can, but they cook at different rates. In this recipe, the chicken is cooked first and rice is added later for better texture and flavor absorption.

Should I add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?

Add it before. Cooking the chicken in the sauce lets it absorb maximum flavor. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe simmers chicken in teriyaki the whole time.

How to keep rice from getting mushy in a crockpot?

Use pre-cooked rice and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps the texture intact and prevents overcooking.

Print
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Slow-cooked teriyaki chicken with rice and pineapple served in a rustic bowl

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe – So Easy, So Good


  • Author: recipesloop.com
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe is an easy, sweet, and savory slow cooker meal made with pantry staples and perfect for busy nights.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root

2 teaspoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water

2 packs pre-cooked rice

1/2 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

Sesame seeds (optional)


Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a slow cooker and whisk to combine.

2. Add pineapple with juice and chicken and stir to coat. Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

3. Whisk cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl and stir into slow cooker.

4. Microwave rice packets for 1 minute each to loosen rice slightly and stir rice into chicken mixture.

5. Cover and cook on High 30 minutes.

6. Top with green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

Notes

Use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs deliver better flavor and texture.

Add steamed broccoli or snap peas at the end for a complete one-pot meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy teriyaki chicken, one-pot meal, Skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey

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