Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich teriyaki flavors while you focus on other tasks. This dish pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables and fried rice, making it a versatile option for family dinners or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a savory-sweet taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
- Easy Clean-Up: Cooking in a crock pot means less mess and easy clean-up after your meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium serving dish
- 4-quart saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Large slow cooker: Perfect for evenly cooking the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
- Whisk: Ensures that all sauce ingredients are well combined for optimal taste.
- Fine mesh strainer: Allows for smooth sauce without any lumps, enhancing presentation.
- 4-quart saucepan: Ideal for thickening the teriyaki sauce to perfection.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious 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: Prepare the Sauce
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker. Whisk them together until well combined. Remember not to add the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should be easily shred when done.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Do not discard the remaining sauce. Shred the chicken using two forks and cover it to keep warm.
Step 6: Strain the Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan. Carefully pour the sauce through the strainer into the saucepan to remove any solids.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch in cool water and add it to the strained sauce. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Mix half of the thickened sauce into your shredded chicken, saving the other half for serving.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad! Enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that can be paired with various sides for a complete meal. Whether you want something light or hearty, there are plenty of options to elevate your dining experience.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful twist with vegetables and eggs mixed in, perfect for adding texture.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative that adds a nutty flavor to your meal.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick-cooked veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas complement the chicken well.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned and roasted to perfection, asparagus adds a crunchy contrast.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing cabbage slaw with sesame dressing provides a crisp side.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Use fresh lettuce leaves as wraps filled with shredded chicken and veggies for a low-carb option.
- Tortilla Wraps: Soft tortillas filled with chicken, carrots, and cucumbers make for a quick lunch or dinner.
With Noodles
- Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles offer an earthy taste that pairs nicely with teriyaki flavors.
- Rice Noodles: Light and chewy rice noodles can soak up the delicious sauce well.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality sauces enhance the flavor greatly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, use cornstarch as described in the recipe for thickening.
- Cook at the Right Temperature: Cooking on low for 6 hours allows flavors to meld better than high for 3 hours.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your sauce before mixing it with chicken; adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Let It Rest After Cooking: Allowing the chicken to rest before shredding helps retain its juices for better flavor.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables or other ingredients during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pair your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with these tasty side dishes that enhance its flavors.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: A classic side dish that brings color and richness through sautéed vegetables.
- Sesame Noodles: Toss noodles in sesame oil and soy sauce for an easy yet flavorful accompaniment.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic create a crunchy and savory side that complements the dish well.
- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting soup that balances the main dish’s sweetness with its umami flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light salad made from quinoa mixed with cucumbers, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds freshness.
- Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar make a refreshing balance to the savory chicken.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provide protein and a fun finger food option.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or veggies offer a crispy texture alongside the tender chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing your slow cooker can lead to sticking, making cleanup difficult. Always grease the container before adding ingredients.
- Incorrect Sauce Order: Adding cornstarch and water too early can prevent the sauce from thickening properly. Follow the recipe closely to ensure the right order.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended times for juicy, tender chicken.
- Ignoring Shredding Technique: Failing to shred the chicken properly can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Use two forks to shred it evenly for better taste in each bite.
- Not Saving Enough Sauce: Discarding all the sauce means missing out on flavor. Reserve half of it for serving with your meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- It remains good for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken and sauce in a baking dish; cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken that may help you.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour.
How do I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, substitute soy sauce with tamari or liquid aminos.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different veggies or serve it over various grains. Try this simple yet delicious recipe for a comforting meal that your family will love!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, savory-sweet dish. With just five minutes of prep time, this slow-cooked meal delivers tender, shredded chicken infused with rich teriyaki flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; it pairs seamlessly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even fresh salads. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe allows you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick meal option, Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is sure to impress everyone at your 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 black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended.
- Add chicken breasts and coat them in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks; set aside.
- Strain the remaining sauce into a saucepan using a fine mesh strainer.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to strained sauce; bring to boil until thickened.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce and serve with additional sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Low - 6 hours / High - 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately ⅓ cup (75g)
- Calories: 249
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
