Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken – This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce perfect for a busy parent, meal prep, or bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the hard work while you go about your day.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences or available ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Overview
This recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (your choice!) slow-cooked to tender perfection in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Add a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken it into a glossy glaze.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Sear for Extra Flavor: While optional, browning the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the Crock Pot enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference compared to powdered versions.
- Don’t Overcook: Depending on your Crock Pot, chicken can dry out if left too long. Check it around the 4-hour mark on low.
- Thicken with Care: When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, whisk it with cold water first to avoid lumps.
- Low Sodium Options: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is its versatility. Here are some exciting variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Add hearty veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms for texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Pineapple Twist: Toss in canned pineapple chunks during the last hour for a tropical flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Honey Garlic Teriyaki: Amp up the honey and garlic for a sweeter, richer flavor profile.
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Over Rice: Classic and comforting, serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Veggies: Pair with stir-fried or steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
- In a Bowl: Make a teriyaki bowl by layering rice, shredded chicken, and a mix of fresh and cooked vegetables.
- As Tacos: Use shredded chicken as a filling for soft tacos, topped with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice and veggies for quick and healthy lunches.
How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions with sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken can also increase the time it takes to reach a safe internal temperature.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also check if it’s tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce offers the best flavor, store-bought sauce works for an even quicker preparation.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your Crock Pot is large enough. Just ensure the chicken pieces aren’t too crowded for even cooking.
What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken - This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce perfect for a busy parent, meal prep, or bold flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Cook Low & Slow: Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once done, remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Thicken the Sauce: Strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high, then whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Garnish: Toss shredded chicken with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 298Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 96mgSodium 852mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 0gSugar 17gProtein 38g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a true game-changer in the world of slow-cooker meals. With its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and streamline your dinner routine. Try it today and experience the magic for yourself!
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