This slow cooker 3-ingredient creamy teriyaki chicken is exactly the kind of dinner I lean on during a packed workweek, when I want something comforting but do not have the energy for a long ingredient list or extra dishes. The sweet-savory flavor of teriyaki paired with a creamy finish makes the chicken incredibly tender and satisfying, and the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Serve this chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fluffy brown rice to soak up all of the sauce. It is also great with simple roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad for a fresh contrast to the rich, glossy chicken.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Creamy Teriyaki Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup teriyaki sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Directions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a black slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the top.
2. Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
3. Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
4. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts completely into the teriyaki sauce and coats the shredded chicken in a smooth, creamy glaze.
5. Serve warm over rice or with vegetables, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Variations & Tips
Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here if you prefer darker meat. They stay extra juicy in the slow cooker and give the finished dish an even richer flavor.
Adjust the sweetness: Teriyaki sauces can vary a lot from brand to brand, so if yours runs especially sweet, balance the dish by serving it with plain rice and a green vegetable. If you like a bolder savory flavor, add a small splash of low-sodium soy sauce.
Make it meal-prep friendly: This chicken reheats well for lunches throughout the week. Store it in an airtight container with rice or vegetables, and add a spoonful of water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
Keep the sauce smooth: For the creamiest texture, cut the cream cheese into cubes before adding it and stir well at the end. If the sauce looks a little separated at first, keep stirring for a minute or two and it should come together.