Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a simple yet delightful dish that shines for its rich flavor and ease of preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss. With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it! This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables or fried rice, making it suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You only need 5 minutes to get everything ready.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, with veggies, or in lettuce wraps for variety.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and savory chicken.
- Easy Cleanup: Prepare everything in one slow cooker for minimal mess.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious crock pot teriyaki chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium saucepan
- Forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It cooks the chicken slowly, making it tender and flavorful.
- Whisk: Use this to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor.
- Fine mesh strainer: Ensures your sauce is smooth by removing any lumps before thickening.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for this fantastic Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe:
- 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
- Start by greasing the container of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl:
1. Add all sauce ingredients except cornstarch and water.
2. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts into the greased slow cooker.
- Turn the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Set your slow cooker:
1. 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 cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a medium serving dish.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cover and set aside.
Step 6: Strain and Thicken Sauce
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a medium saucepan.
- Carefully pour the remaining sauce through the strainer into the saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with cool water in a small bowl; add this mixture to your strained sauce.
Step 7: Boil and Thicken Sauce
- Bring the strained sauce to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened to your liking.
Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken.
- Reserve the other half of the sauce for serving.
Step 9: Serve Your Dish
- Serve your delicious crock pot teriyaki chicken over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables or your favorite Asian salad!
Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Serving crock pot teriyaki chicken can be a delightful experience. This dish pairs well with various sides, enhancing its rich flavors and making your meal more satisfying.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic option that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Adds a touch of flavor and texture, perfect for a heartier meal.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bright and colorful veggies stir-fried in soy sauce complement the chicken.
- Roasted Broccoli: The slight char from roasting adds depth to the meal.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Use fresh lettuce leaves to create a light, refreshing wrap filled with shredded chicken and sauce.
- Tortilla Wraps: A fun twist, filling tortillas with chicken and adding crunchy vegetables for an extra bite.
As a Salad
- Asian Chicken Salad: Combine shredded chicken with mixed greens, nuts, and a sesame dressing for a fresh take.
- Rice Noodle Salad: Toss noodles with chicken and your favorite veggies for a flavorful Asian-inspired salad.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Getting the perfect crock pot teriyaki chicken is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the honey based on your taste preference; add more for sweetness or less for a savory touch.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken. It should be tender but not dry.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce ensures a smooth texture without lumps.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing delicious side dishes with crock pot teriyaki chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that complements the dish’s flavors perfectly.
- Sautéed Bok Choy: A quick sauté brings out its natural sweetness and crunch.
- Egg Fried Rice: Adds protein and additional flavor, making it an excellent companion.
- Cucumber Salad: Fresh cucumbers tossed in vinegar brighten up the plate.
- Edamame Beans: A protein-packed snack that pairs well with Asian flavors.
- Sesame Noodles: These noodles add richness and are easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when preparing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauce preparation: Ensure you whisk the sauce ingredients properly before adding the chicken. This helps in blending the flavors effectively.
- Using frozen chicken: It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. Frozen chicken can cook unevenly and may not absorb the sauce well.
- Ignoring cooking times: Always adhere to the recommended cooking times for tender, shredded chicken. Overcooking can lead to dry meat, while undercooking can be unsafe.
- Not straining the sauce: Straining the sauce before thickening helps remove any impurities and ensures a smooth texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Forgetting to reserve sauce: Make sure to save half of the sauce for serving. It adds a burst of flavor when drizzled over your dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Cooking takes about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The key is ensuring the chicken is tender and easily shredable.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
What sides go well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a balanced meal.
How can I customize this teriyaki chicken recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the crock pot during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to serve it with various sides, making it suitable for different tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and hassle-free meal that brings the rich flavors of classic teriyaki right to your dinner table. This dish requires just 5 minutes of prep time, allowing you to set it in your slow cooker and go about your day. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks in a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even lettuce wraps. Enjoy the ease of a homemade meal without the fuss!
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
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and coat with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and set aside.
- Strain remaining sauce into a saucepan; thicken with cornstarch mixed with water over medium heat.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce; reserve the rest for serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 235g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
