Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your go-to solution for a delicious and stress-free meal. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this slow cooker dish delivers tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe highlights the rich flavors of teriyaki sauce while being easy enough for anyone to master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Get dinner on the table in just 5 minutes of prep.
- Flavorful Dish: Enjoy a deliciously sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that elevates simple chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even Asian salads for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for lunch.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking and perfect tenderness in meat.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth mixture when combining sauce ingredients without clumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps achieve a silky sauce by removing any solids or lumps.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your flavorful crock pot teriyaki chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup mirin
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon cool water
How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Grease the Slow Cooker
Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker. Whisk to combine. Remember, DO NOT ADD the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn them to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: Remove Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it into a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce.
Step 6: Shred Chicken
Shred the chicken using two forks. Cover it to keep warm and set aside.
Step 7: Strain Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan. Carefully pour the sauce through to remove any solids.
Step 8: Thicken Sauce
Mix cornstarch in cool water, then add it to the strained sauce. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 9: Boil Sauce
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 10: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Mix half of the thickened sauce into the shredded chicken. Save half of the sauce for serving later.
Step 11: Serve
Serve your delicious crock pot teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an incredibly versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light, fragrant rice complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: A savory option that adds texture and flavor; toss in some veggies for extra nutrition.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative that provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick-cooked veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas bring color and crunch to your plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh touch and pairs well with the sweetness of the chicken.
- Sautéed Bok Choy: This leafy green offers a mild flavor that balances the dish perfectly.
With Salads
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette provide a crisp finish to the meal.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Creating the perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor significantly compared to powdered versions.
- Marinate Ahead of Time: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to reduce longer on the stovetop after straining.
- Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s warm makes it easier and allows it to absorb more sauce.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Add sesame seeds or sliced green onions as a garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with the right sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- White Rice: A classic choice that soaks up all the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutritious and filling, quinoa salad can be mixed with veggies for extra taste.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls offer a delightful crunch alongside the tender chicken.
- Miso Soup: A warm soup that complements the Asian flavors of teriyaki chicken well.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame adds protein and fiber while being easy to prepare.
- Garlic Noodles: Savory noodles tossed in garlic butter make for a satisfying side that pairs nicely with chicken.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, even small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are common issues to steer clear of.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always ensure you incorporate all the sauce ingredients. Omitting any will alter the flavor balance significantly.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Do not add more chicken than recommended. This can prevent even cooking and affect tenderness.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce: Neglecting to add the cornstarch mixture at the right time can result in a watery sauce. Follow this step closely.
- Not shredding properly: Shredding the chicken while it’s still hot helps it absorb more sauce. Allow it to cool slightly, but don’t wait too long.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the chicken with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or sauce. Heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but they may need additional cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I make teriyaki chicken spicier?
Consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to your sauce mixture before cooking for an extra kick.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salads for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari for a delicious gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and satisfying meal that brings comfort to busy weeknights. With its delicious flavors and tender chicken, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate solution for a flavorful and hassle-free dinner. With just 5 minutes of preparation, this tender chicken dish simmers in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that perfectly complements rice or vegetables. Designed for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to master, making it an ideal choice for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining guests, this slow cooker delight guarantees satisfaction with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup mirin
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil (do not add cornstarch yet).
- Add chicken breasts and coat them with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until easily shredded.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with cool water and incorporate it into the strained sauce.
- Boil over medium heat until thickened.
- Mix half of the thickened sauce with shredded chicken; reserve the rest for serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 881mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
