Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your go-to solution for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a deliciously sweet and savory meal. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Only 5 minutes of prep time means you can have dinner ready without any hassle.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich and tasty flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh Asian salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your crock pot teriyaki chicken a breeze. Gather these essential items before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken by slow-cooking it over several hours.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Ensures that your sauce is free from any solids, creating a silky texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 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
For Thickening the Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon cool water
How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Grease the Slow Cooker
Begin by greasing the container of your large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Add all sauce ingredients (honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil) into the slow cooker. Whisk them together until well combined. Remember not to add the cornstarch mixture yet!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them around to coat well with the sauce.
Step 4: Set Cooking Time
Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours. The chicken should be easily shred with a fork when done.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Set aside but do not discard the sauce.
Step 6: Strain Sauce
Carefully pour your remaining sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth. Add this mixture to your strained sauce in the saucepan. Stir continuously as you bring it to a boil over medium-high heat until thickened.
Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Mix half of your thickened sauce into the shredded chicken. Reserve the other half for serving later.
Step 9: Serve
Enjoy your crock pot teriyaki chicken with rice and stir-fried veggies or alongside your favorite Asian salad!
This simple recipe will surely become a favorite in your household!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you prefer a simple plate or something more elaborate, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.
On Rice
- Serve the shredded chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a classic and filling option.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with teriyaki chicken, carrots, and cucumber slices for a light option.
As Tacos
- Transform your teriyaki chicken into flavorful tacos by using soft tortillas and adding toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime.
Over Noodles
- Serve the chicken on top of cooked soba or udon noodles tossed with sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
With a Salad
- Create a hearty salad by adding teriyaki chicken to mixed greens along with crunchy nuts and a light vinaigrette dressing.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor profile compared to dried versions.
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Don’t Overcook: Monitor cooking times closely. Overcooked chicken can become dry; aim for tender shreds.
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Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey amount based on your sweetness preference. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
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Thicken Sauce Carefully: Ensure the cornstarch mixture is fully incorporated before boiling for the best sauce consistency.
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Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest before shredding. This helps retain moisture and improves texture.
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Experiment with Marinades: Try adding variations like pineapple juice or chili flakes for extra depth in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Complement your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.
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Steamed Broccoli: This bright green vegetable adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
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Fried Rice: A classic Asian side that brings together eggs, veggies, and rice; it pairs well with teriyaki flavors.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness to each bite.
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Sushi Rolls: Homemade sushi rolls stuffed with cucumber and avocado provide a fun way to enjoy your meal.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutritious grain salad with herbs can add a different texture while remaining healthy.
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Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for an easy finger food that complements Asian flavors beautifully.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting side that balances the richness of the main dish.
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Cucumber Pickles: Quick-pickled cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch that cuts through savory flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using low-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for a tender and flavorful result.
- Skipping the marinating step: Allowing the chicken to soak in the teriyaki sauce enhances flavor. Don’t rush this part!
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in recipes. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure balanced flavors.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high might seem tempting, but low and slow brings out the best taste. Stick to recommended times.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce: The cornstarch mixture is essential for a glossy finish. Make sure to incorporate it properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will require longer cooking time. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, substitute soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free alternative.
How do I adjust spice levels?
Feel free to add more ginger or garlic powder according to your taste preferences for extra flavor and spice.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors that everyone will love. This versatile dish allows you to customize it with your favorite sides and adjustments. Give it a try for your next family dinner or meal prep!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms busy weeknights into delightful dining experiences. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this hands-off recipe allows the slow cooker to work its magic, melding sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Tender chicken is infused with a rich teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and spices, perfect for serving over rice or in lettuce wraps. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this versatile dish is sure to become a household favorite.
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 black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
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 until well combined.
- Add chicken breasts to the sauce and coat them thoroughly.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and strain the sauce into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with cool water and stir into the strained sauce; bring to a boil until thickened.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce; reserve the rest for serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Low - 6 hours / High - 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
