Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! With just five minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a delicious, tender chicken dish that pairs perfectly with rice or stir-fried vegetables. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich teriyaki flavors while you go about your day. This meal is not only easy to make but also perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This recipe requires only 5 minutes of preparation. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic!
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve this teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fry veggies, or even in wraps for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a great option for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe! It ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients thoroughly for a smooth finish.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps achieve a silky sauce by removing any lumps or solids before thickening.
Ingredients
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
How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients
- Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of the slow cooker.
- Whisk until combined. Do not add the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Turn them to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- The chicken should be easily shred with a fork when done.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it into a medium serving dish.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken. Cover and set aside.
Step 6: Strain Sauce
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan.
- Carefully pour the sauce through the strainer into the saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with cool water in a small bowl.
- Add this mixture to the strained sauce, stirring until fully combined.
Step 8: Boil Sauce
- Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook while stirring constantly until thickened to your liking.
Step 9: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken.
- Reserve half of the sauce for serving.
Step 10: Serve Your Dish
- Serve your flavorful 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 not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can enjoy this flavorful dish in various ways that cater to your taste preferences.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic, fluffy base that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option with a nutty flavor; it pairs well with the sweetness of teriyaki.
- Fried Rice: Add some veggies and scrambled eggs for a hearty side that complements the chicken.
As a Wrap
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap shredded chicken with fresh veggies and dipping sauce for a light meal.
- Tortilla Wraps: Fill tortillas with teriyaki chicken, shredded carrots, and cucumber for a quick lunch or dinner.
In a Salad
- Asian Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing with teriyaki chicken for a crunchy salad.
- Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa, cucumbers, and teriyaki chicken for a protein-packed meal.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Lightly sauté mixed vegetables to serve alongside for added nutrition and color.
- Roasted Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli drizzled with sesame oil enhances the Asian flavors of the dish.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor more than powdered versions.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey or add more soy sauce to balance flavors.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked chicken may become dry and tough.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Mix cornstarch with cool water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices:
- Fried Rice: Packed with vegetables and eggs, this dish adds texture and flavor that complements teriyaki chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides a fresh crunch that balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Sesame Noodles: Tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce, these noodles make an excellent base for teriyaki chicken.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a comforting contrast to the main dish’s sweetness.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and is easy to prepare as a side snack.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy touch that brightens up the plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making crock pot Teriyaki chicken, small mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Using frozen chicken – Always use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. Frozen chicken may not cook properly in a slow cooker.
- Skipping the marinating step – Don’t skip letting the chicken soak in the sauce. Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Adding cornstarch too early – Be sure to add the cornstarch mixture only after the chicken is cooked. Adding it too soon won’t thicken the sauce properly.
- Overcooking or undercooking – Follow recommended cooking times closely. Overcooked chicken can become dry, while undercooked chicken poses food safety risks.
- Not straining the sauce – Always strain your sauce before serving. This removes any solid bits and results in a smoother texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Crock pot Teriyaki Chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Allow chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave – Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
- Stovetop – In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or sauce, add chicken, and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making crock pot Teriyaki Chicken:
How to make crock pot teriyaki chicken more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider marinating your chicken overnight or adding fresh ginger and garlic to the sauce.
Can I substitute soy sauce in crockpot teriyaki chicken?
Yes! You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
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.
How long does it take to cook crock pot teriyaki chicken?
Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while cooking on high takes about 3 hours.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not just easy; it’s incredibly versatile! This recipe brings together rich flavors that are perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or sides. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is your ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering a flavorful and tender meal with minimal effort. In just five minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker to work, infusing juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and spices. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice or stir-fried vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Asian-inspired dish without any fuss!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 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 your slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sesame oil.
- Add the chicken breasts, coating them in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
- Shred the chicken and strain the sauce into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the strained sauce; boil until thickened.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce and serve with rice or veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
