Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken infused with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or fried rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: Only 5 minutes to get everything in the crock pot, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich teriyaki flavor that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad to create a customizable meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This allows you to cook the chicken low and slow, ensuring it becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: This tool is essential for separating the sauce from any solids, giving you a smooth finish.
Ingredients
For this tasty Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following 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: Grease the Slow Cooker
Grease the container of a large slow cooker with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker:
1. Pour in honey.
2. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
3. Whisk to combine all ingredients well. Do not add cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker:
1. Turn them gently to coat with the sauce thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 3 hours:
1. Check if chicken is easily shred with a fork before removing from heat.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the crockpot:
1. Place into a medium serving dish but do not discard the sauce.
2. Shred the chicken using two forks and cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Strain the Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan:
1. Carefully pour sauce through strainer into saucepan to remove solids.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch in cool water:
1. Add this mixture to the strained sauce.
2. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Bring sauce to boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken:
1. Reserve remaining half of sauce for serving.
Step 9: Serve Your Dish
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:
1. Enjoy it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad!
With just these simple steps, you’ll have an amazing meal ready that is sure to please everyone at your table!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve this flavorful meal.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice complements the flavors of teriyaki chicken beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Add some veggies and scrambled eggs for a hearty twist on a classic side.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds fiber and nutrients while still pairing well with the sauce.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and health benefits.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender for a simple yet elegant side.
- Asian Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots mixed with a sesame dressing bring a refreshing contrast.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the shredded teriyaki chicken for a low-carb option.
- Tortilla Wraps: Fill whole wheat tortillas with chicken, veggies, and some extra sauce for a quick meal.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly.
- Don’t Overcook: Monitor the cooking time closely; overcooked chicken can become dry. Aim for shreddable, not mushy.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey or use low-sugar substitutes.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: Make sure to mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Marinate Ahead of Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce overnight before cooking.
- Garnish Well: Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with complementary side dishes enhances the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.
- Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that balances the sweetness of teriyaki chicken beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar provide a crisp contrast to rich flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein, quinoa salad can be dressed up with veggies and herbs for added flavor.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for an easy snack that fits perfectly into an Asian-inspired meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can add depth and warmth to your dinner table.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickles or kimchi offer a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness that complements teriyaki flavors well.
- Noodle Stir-Fry: Quick-cooking noodles tossed with vegetables create an exciting addition to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce can lead to bland flavors. Always allow time for the flavors to infuse.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
- Ignoring sauce thickness: Adding cornstarch too early will not thicken the sauce properly. Wait until the chicken is cooked before incorporating it.
- Choosing low-quality soy sauce: Using subpar soy sauce can result in a lackluster dish. Opt for a good quality brand for enhanced flavor.
- Not adjusting for dietary needs: If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, modify ingredients like soy sauce or sugar to suit their needs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on low.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salads for a complete meal.
How do I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce ingredients for a spicy kick!
Can I substitute other meats?
Absolutely! You can try pork, tofu, or even beef as alternatives for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Its sweet and savory flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or sides!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. This easy recipe requires just 5 minutes of prep time, allowing you to toss everything in the slow cooker and get on with your day. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that your family will love. Serve it over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or in lettuce wraps for a customizable dinner experience that fits any palate. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and shred it using two forks; set aside.
- Strain the remaining sauce into a saucepan and thicken it with cornstarch mixed with water.
- Mix half of the thickened sauce back into the shredded chicken and serve with reserved sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
