Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your go-to solution for a delicious, hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker dish combines juicy chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a versatile option that you can serve with rice or stir-fried vegetables, making it suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Spend just 5 minutes prepping the ingredients before letting your crock pot do the work.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich, savory flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair this teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
- Feed the Family: This recipe makes enough to serve 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer pots and pans to wash afterward.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this easy recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Saucepan
- Forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender and flavorful chicken without constant attention.
- Whisk: A whisk helps you easily combine the sauce ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Fine mesh strainer: This tool is crucial for separating solid ingredients from the sauce, resulting in a smooth finish.
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: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
Add all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch and water) into the prepared slow cooker. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them to coat evenly in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce. Shred chicken using two forks and cover it to keep warm.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan. Carefully pour the sauce through it into the saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch in cool water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan with your strained sauce. Stir until fully combined.
Step 8: Boil and Serve
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened. Mix half of this sauce into your shredded chicken before serving with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian salad!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Whether you prefer rice, vegetables, or salads, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve this meal.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice provides a perfect base to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
As a Wrap
- Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with shredded teriyaki chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of sauce for a fun twist.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Sauté bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in sesame oil for a colorful and healthy side that complements the chicken.
On a Salad
- Create an Asian-inspired salad by topping mixed greens with teriyaki chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame seeds for extra crunch.
In a Rice Bowl
- Assemble a rice bowl featuring teriyaki chicken on top of sushi rice, garnished with sliced green onions and avocado.
As Sliders
- Serve the shredded chicken on small buns for sliders topped with coleslaw for an easy and fun finger food option.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to powdered versions.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. Less honey will yield a less sweet dish.
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Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s warm makes it easier to pull apart and helps it soak up more sauce.
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Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Ensure you let the sauce boil after adding cornstarch; this is key for achieving that perfect glossy texture.
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Experiment with Veggies: Adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the slow cooker can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
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Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
When serving Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, selecting complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Fried Rice: This classic dish brings together flavors of soy sauce and vegetables that pair perfectly with teriyaki chicken.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-fry seasonal veggies like broccoli and bok choy for added color and nutrients alongside your main dish.
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Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and sesame dressing offers great texture contrast.
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Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with cabbage and carrots provide an enjoyable crunch that balances the tender chicken.
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Edamame: Lightly salted edamame is an easy-to-make snack that adds protein without overpowering other flavors.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements your meal beautifully while adding depth to the dining experience.
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Pickled Vegetables: Serve pickled cucumbers or radishes as a tangy side that cuts through the richness of teriyaki chicken.
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Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad tossed in sesame dressing makes for a vibrant addition that can be prepped ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some to watch out for:
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to sticking, making cleanup difficult. Always grease the container before adding ingredients.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: Poor quality soy sauce can diminish the overall taste. Opt for a good quality soy sauce for a richer flavor.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to recommended times for juicy results.
- Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well means uneven mixing with sauce. Use two forks to shred it thoroughly for better flavor distribution.
- Adding cornstarch too early: Adding cornstarch at the beginning can cause it to clump. Mix it with water and add it only when preparing the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure to cool down completely before sealing.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy identification.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken that might help you.
How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about an hour on low heat.
What sides go well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Serve it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
Can I customize this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking or adjust spices according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. It suits busy weeknights perfectly and allows room for your creativity. Don’t hesitate to try different veggies or sauces to make it your own!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate solution for a quick and delicious meal that fits seamlessly into busy weeknights. This flavorful dish features tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and spices. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy quality time with family or tackle other tasks. Serve this delectable chicken over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or in wraps for a versatile meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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 your slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken breasts to the mixture and coat evenly.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken; shred using two forks.
- Strain sauce into a saucepan and mix cornstarch with water; add this mixture to the sauce.
- Boil and stir until thickened; mix some into shredded chicken before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 328
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 812mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
