Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. With only 5 minutes of prep time, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s not just a meal; it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables or fried rice, making it suitable for family dinners and gatherings alike. The rich, sweet, and savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe only takes 5 minutes to prepare, allowing you to enjoy delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve this teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fry veggies, or salads for an easy, complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather essential tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium serving dish
- 4-quart saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors deeply into the chicken.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly, ensuring your sauce is well combined before adding the chicken.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps achieve a silky-smooth sauce by removing any solids after cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce 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 with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients
- Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared slow cooker.
- Use a whisk to combine them thoroughly. Do NOT add the cornstarch and water mixture at this point!
Step 3: Add Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Turn them gently to coat with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Carefully remove chicken from the crockpot and transfer it to a medium serving dish.
- Shred using two forks. Cover and set aside while keeping the sauce in the crockpot.
Step 6: Strain Sauce
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan.
- Carefully pour the sauce through to remove any solids.
Step 7: Thicken Sauce
- Mix cornstarch in cool water until smooth.
- Add this mixture to your strained sauce.
- Bring sauce to a 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.
- Reserve the other half for serving later.
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 not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can serve it in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice – A classic option, fluffy white rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier twist, opt for brown rice which adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.
- Fried Rice – Enhance the meal with colorful fried rice mixed with vegetables and scrambled eggs.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Quick stir-fried veggies such as bell peppers and broccoli make a crunchy accompaniment.
- Roasted Asparagus – Roasting asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet teriyaki chicken.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps – Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the shredded chicken for a light, fresh meal.
- Tortilla Wraps – Soft tortillas filled with teriyaki chicken and veggies create a delightful fusion dish.
As a Salad
- Asian Chicken Salad – Toss the chicken with mixed greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing for a refreshing salad.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess to balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture in your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these tips:
- Use Quality Chicken Breasts – Fresh, high-quality chicken will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Marinate Longer – For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least an hour before cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness – Modify honey levels based on your sweetness preference; less honey creates a savory balance.
- Don’t Overcook – Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent dry chicken; aim for shredding easily with forks.
- Thicken Sauce Properly – Ensure you whisk cornstarch into water before adding it to thicken your sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Garnish Thoughtfully – Top with sesame seeds or green onions for added texture and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing sides with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients, making it a healthful side.
- Fried Rice – This savory side dish complements the flavors of teriyaki beautifully while providing fullness.
- Egg Rolls – Crunchy egg rolls filled with vegetables add texture and are fun to eat alongside chicken.
- Edamame Beans – Lightly salted edamame offers protein and a satisfying bite for snacking alongside your meal.
- Sesame Noodles – Tossed in sesame oil, these noodles are simple yet flavorful; they absorb any extra teriyaki sauce well.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and balances out the richness of teriyaki chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring ingredient order: Always add the sauce ingredients in the specified order. This ensures proper mixing and flavor infusion.
- Not greasing the slow cooker: Skipping this step can lead to sticking and make cleanup difficult. Always grease your slow cooker before adding ingredients.
- Adding cornstarch too early: If you mix in the cornstarch at the start, it won’t thicken properly. Wait until the chicken is cooked before adding it to the sauce.
- Overcooking chicken: Make sure to monitor cooking times. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough; aim for 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Neglecting to shred properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can impact texture. Use two forks for easy shredding and mix it thoroughly with the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure it cools down before sealing it in a container to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but ensure it cooks longer—about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
What sides go well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas directly into the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines convenience with amazing flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Try this recipe out and enjoy delicious homemade teriyaki chicken any day of the week!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings the authentic flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. With just 5 minutes of preparation, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees a satisfying meal without the fuss. The tender chicken simmers in a rich, sweet-savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and spices, making it a family favorite. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables, this versatile dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper (do not add cornstarch yet).
- Add chicken breasts to the sauce and coat well.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken to shred and strain sauce into a saucepan to remove solids.
- Mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth; add to strained sauce and heat until thickened.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
