Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice | Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

If you love easy and delicious meals, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is perfect for you. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken tender and flavorful. The homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and completely halal. Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples. Serve it over rice for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Whether for meal prep or a busy weeknight, this dish is a winner!

Benefits of Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
Rich in Flavor – The slow cooking process brings out deep, bold teriyaki flavors.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Healthy Choice – High in protein, low in unhealthy fats, and packed with nutrients.
Kid-Approved – The sweet and savory taste makes it a family favorite.
Halal and Customizable – No alcohol or non-halal ingredients, and you can adjust sweetness or spice.

Cautions to Keep in Mind

Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Too much time in the slow cooker can make it dry.
Check Your Soy Sauce – Some brands contain alcohol; always use a halal-certified one.
Balance the Sweetness – Adjust sugar and honey to suit your taste.
Watch the Sauce Thickness – Too much cornstarch can make it too thick; add gradually.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor.
Store It Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.

Fun Tidbits About Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Inspired by Japan, Made for Everyone – Teriyaki sauce comes from Japan, but this version is halal and perfect for all.
One-Pot Wonder – No need for extra pans; everything cooks in the slow cooker.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Make It Your Own – Add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
A Hit at Potlucks – Bring this to a gathering, and everyone will ask for the recipe.
Works with Any Protein – Swap chicken for beef or tofu for a different twist.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 210 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 3 hrs 50 mins

Cooking Method: Simmering, Slow-Cooking

Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Japanese

Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 100 C

Estimated Cost: $ 15

Calories: Approx. 420 kcal per serving

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Dairy-Free, Halal, Nut-Free

Description

This halal crockpot teriyaki chicken and rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld perfectly, creating a balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Served over fluffy rice and topped with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal or meal-prep option.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (900g)
2 packs pre-cooked white rice (about 4 cups)

Homemade Halal Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup halal-certified soy sauce (e.g., Kikkoman Halal)
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp honey
1½ tbsp halal rice vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)
2 tsp sesame oil

Other Ingredients

1 can pineapple chunks with juice (8 oz)
1½ tbsp cornstarch
½ cup cold water
½ bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker and Sauce Base

1
Place your slow cooker insert in position and set it to HIGH.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the halal soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3
Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved completely.
4
Open the canned pineapple and pour both the pineapple chunks and their juice into the sauce mixture.

2. Prepare and Add the Chicken

5
Take boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
6
Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
7
Add the chicken pieces directly into the slow cooker, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
8
Stir well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce mixture.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken

9
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours.
10
Halfway through cooking (around the 1½-hour mark), open the lid and stir the chicken to evenly distribute the flavors.
11
Check the chicken’s doneness at the 2½-hour mark by cutting a piece in half—it should be fully cooked with no pink inside and have a tender texture.

4. Thicken the Sauce

12
In a small bowl, mix 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water. Stir until it forms a smooth slurry.
13
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker while stirring continuously.
14
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH, allowing the sauce to thicken.
15
The sauce should reach a glossy, slightly sticky consistency, coating the chicken pieces well.

5. Prepare and Add the Rice

16
If using pre-cooked rice, microwave the rice packets for 1 minute each to loosen the grains.
17
Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before adding it to the slow cooker.
18
Pour the warm rice into the slow cooker and stir gently until it is fully combined with the teriyaki chicken and sauce.
19
Allow the rice to absorb the flavors for 5 minutes before serving.

6. Garnish and Serve

20
Thinly slice fresh green onions and sprinkle them over the dish for freshness.
21
Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor.
22
Serve hot and enjoy your halal crockpot teriyaki chicken and rice!

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 16g
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. What Makes This Recipe Halal?

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is prepared using only halal-certified ingredients. Many store-bought teriyaki sauces contain alcohol-based ingredients such as mirin or sake, which are not halal. This recipe ensures that:

Halal-certified soy sauce is used instead of regular soy sauce that may contain fermented alcohol.
Halal rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar replaces traditional rice wine.
No artificial flavor enhancers or additives that could be non-halal are included.

By carefully selecting the right ingredients, this dish remains completely halal-compliant without compromising on taste.

2. Why Use a Slow Cooker?

A slow cooker (crockpot) is perfect for this dish because it allows the flavors to develop over time, making the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Here’s why slow cooking works best:

2.1. Enhanced Flavor Development

Slow cooking gradually infuses the chicken with the teriyaki sauce, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
The low and slow cooking method ensures a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes.

2.2. Convenience and Hands-Free Cooking

Once the ingredients are added, the slow cooker does all the work—no need for constant stirring or monitoring.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when prepping meals in advance.

3. Choosing the Right Chicken for This Recipe

3.1. Best Cut of Chicken to Use

Chicken thighs are preferred because they remain juicy and tender even after long cooking times.
Chicken breasts can be used but may become slightly dry, so it’s recommended to reduce cooking time by 30 minutes.

3.2. Boneless vs. Bone-in Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook faster and are easier to shred.
Bone-in chicken thighs can be used for extra flavor but will require an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.

4. How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

The key to authentic-tasting halal teriyaki sauce lies in balancing the flavors. Here’s what each ingredient contributes:

4.1. Sweetness and Caramelization

Brown sugar and honey help create a slightly sweet, caramelized glaze on the chicken.
Pineapple juice naturally enhances the sweetness while adding a subtle tangy flavor.

4.2. Umami Depth

Halal-certified soy sauce provides deep umami richness without using alcohol-based ingredients.
Garlic and ginger add an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.

4.3. Thickness and Texture

Cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce has a glossy, thick texture that clings to the chicken and rice.

5. Best Rice to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

5.1. Ideal Rice Varieties

Jasmine rice – Light, fragrant, and slightly sticky, making it perfect for soaking up the teriyaki sauce.
Basmati rice – Long and fluffy grains, a good option if you prefer drier rice.
Short-grain sushi rice – A great choice for a more authentic Japanese-style meal.

5.2. Cooking Tips for the Best Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
Use a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water for fluffy, well-separated grains.
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure even texture.

6. Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

To enhance both flavor and presentation, consider the following garnishes:

Green onions – Add freshness and a mild crunch.
Toasted sesame seeds – Provide a nutty flavor and extra texture.
Chili flakes or sriracha – If you prefer a spicy kick, drizzle a bit of halal sriracha sauce.
Steamed vegetables – Serve with broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition.

7. Meal Prep and Storage Tips

7.1. How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

7.2. Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight in the teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
Cooked chicken can be stored separately and mixed with fresh rice when ready to serve.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

8.1. Overcooking the Chicken

Cooking for too long (over 4 hours on HIGH) can dry out the chicken, even if using thighs.

8.2. Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry

Forgetting to thicken the sauce will result in a watery consistency instead of a glossy glaze.

8.3. Using Regular Soy Sauce Without Checking

Many soy sauces contain alcohol due to fermentation. Always choose halal-certified soy sauce.

9. Alternative Cooking Methods

9.1. Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method

Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then quick-release the steam.
Thicken the sauce using cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking.

9.2. Stovetop Method

Sauté the chicken in a pan for 5 minutes.
Add the teriyaki sauce and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

10. Final Thoughts

This Halal Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a simple, delicious, and foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, and family gatherings.

Enjoy your halal-friendly teriyaki chicken, and let me know if you need any modifications! 😊

Keywords: halal teriyaki chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy crockpot meals, halal chicken recipes, Japanese-inspired halal recipes, family dinner, teriyaki chicken rice bowl

Read it online: https://aroundrecipe.com/recipe/crockpot-teriyaki-chicken-and-rice/

Samantha Doe

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.