Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Pineapple Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful result, use a high-quality teriyaki glaze that has a good balance of sweetness and saltiness.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the slow cooker. You can also add minced garlic or grated ginger for extra depth, though the video keeps it simple.

To achieve a thicker, more caramelized sauce, you can transfer the cooked chicken and pineapple to a plate and reduce the sauce on the stovetop over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

This concentrates the flavors and creates a syrupy glaze. If you have time, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set even more.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the teriyaki glaze for a spicy kick. Garnish with sliced green onions.
• Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They stay extra moist and can cook for up to 4 1/2 hours without drying out.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and crunch.
• Sesame-Ginger: Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 clove of minced garlic with the teriyaki glaze for an aromatic twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve this teriyaki chicken over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

A side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad adds freshness and balances the richness. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. This dish also works well in lettuce wraps or as a filling for rice bowls. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, served cold or reheated.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Pineapple

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 20 oz pineapple chunks in juice
• 1 cup teriyaki glaze
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the pineapple chunks and their juice over the chicken. Pour the teriyaki glaze over the top, then sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
3. After 3 1/2 to 4 hours, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer. If not, continue cooking and check again in 15-minute increments.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests. Gently stir to coat all the chicken and pineapple pieces with the glaze.
5. Spoon the chicken and pineapple over steamed jasmine rice, and drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.

Contains: soy, gluten, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.