Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that comes together with just 5 minutes of prep time. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a family dinner, this recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. Once shredded and coated with a thickened glaze, it becomes the perfect accompaniment to rice and stir-fried vegetables. You’ll love how effortlessly this dish makes your mealtime special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes of prep, this meal is perfect for those hectic days when you need something delicious without the fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The homemade teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or in an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying this tasty dish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd or provide leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Fine mesh sieve
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken every time without constant monitoring.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly to create a well-blended sauce.
• Fine mesh sieve: Helps achieve a silky texture by straining out any solids from the cooking liquid.
• Saucepan: Necessary for thickening the sauce to perfectly coat your shredded chicken.

Ingredients

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

To Thicken:
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon cool water

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bowl of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In the slow cooker, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Soy sauce
3. Rice vinegar
4. Mirin
5. Powdered ginger
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Black pepper
9. Sesame oil

Do not add the cornstarch and water yet.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, turning them to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Strain Sauce

Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the strained sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 8: Combine & Serve

Mix half of the thickened sauce into the shredded chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken served with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a versatile meal that can be paired with various sides and garnishes to elevate its flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more delightful.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice, it absorbs the savory-sweet teriyaki sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor and is a healthier alternative packed with fiber.
• Fried Rice: For an extra twist, toss in some vegetables and scrambled eggs for a colorful dish.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quickly sauté bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a crunchy side.
• Roasted Veggies: Oven-roast carrots, zucchini, and asparagus for added depth of flavor.
• Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds a refreshing crunch.

As Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken and veggies for a low-carb option.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread the chicken on tortillas with some fresh veggies for an easy handheld meal.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out just right every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning the sauce. Adjust the soy sauce or honey levels to match your taste preferences.
• Bold cooking time: Cooking on low for longer yields more tender chicken. If you’re short on time, high heat works too but may affect tenderness.
• Bold thickeners: Experiment with cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot powder for different textures in the sauce.
• Bold marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce overnight before cooking.
• Bold additions: Consider adding pineapple chunks or bell peppers during cooking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious choice that balances well with the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Fried Rice: Add eggs and vegetables to create a hearty side that complements the teriyaki flavors.
3. Asian Noodles: Toss noodles in sesame oil and green onions for a quick side that’s full of flavor.
4. Quinoa Salad: Mix quinoa with cucumbers, avocado, and sesame dressing for a light yet satisfying option.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a comforting touch alongside the main dish.
6. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can add a fun twist to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken will be an unforgettable dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Marinating Step: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can lead to less flavor. Ensure the chicken is well-coated and let it soak in the sauce for a few minutes before cooking.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can result in dry meat. Follow the recommended cooking times closely—6 hours on low or 3 hours on high should be sufficient.
• Neglecting to Thicken the Sauce: Failing to thicken the sauce means you might miss out on that delicious glaze. Always remember to mix cornstarch with water and add it to the strained sauce to achieve a perfect consistency.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar soy sauce or honey can affect the overall taste. Invest in good-quality ingredients for a more authentic flavor.
• Not Adjusting for Allergies: Ignoring dietary restrictions can leave some guests without options. Consider gluten-free soy sauce or other substitutes if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date and content for easy identification.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and a splash of water or reserved sauce; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce. It will maintain the dish’s flavors while accommodating dietary needs.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, using chicken thighs can give you extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times if necessary, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

What sides go well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad. These options complement its rich flavors perfectly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance, store them separately, and then combine them when you’re ready to cook for best results.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

The cooking time is typically about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. This slow-cooking method ensures tender, flavorful chicken every time.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy and quick but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, you can customize it with different vegetables or side dishes according to your taste preferences. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!