Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick yet delicious meal. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this dish brings rich flavors to your table with minimal effort. The tender chicken absorbs a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes needed to prep, you can have dinner ready in no time.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fry veggies, or in an Asian salad.
- Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This recipe serves up to 8 people, making it great for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools ready. A few essential items will make your experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking and ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
- Whisk: Helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Ensures that the sauce is silky by removing any solid bits.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, gather 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: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared slow cooker. Use a whisk to combine them well. Remember, do not add the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them to coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours. The chicken should be easily shred when done.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce! Shred the chicken using two forks, then cover and set aside.
Step 6: Strain the Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan. Carefully pour the remaining sauce through it into the saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth, then add this mixture to your strained sauce. Stir until fully incorporated. Bring this sauce to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 8: Mix with Chicken
Combine half of this thickened sauce with your shredded chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Save the other half for serving.
Step 9: Serve!
Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken served over rice or paired with stir-fried veggies or your favorite Asian salad!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can easily pair it with various sides that enhance the flavors of this savory dish.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that complements the sweet and salty teriyaki sauce.
- Fried Rice: A hearty option that adds vegetables and eggs for extra nutrition and flavor.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
- Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and vibrancy to your plate.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the shredded chicken.
- Tortilla Wraps: Soft tortillas filled with teriyaki chicken make for a great handheld meal.
As a Salad
- Asian Chicken Salad: Combine shredded chicken with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing for a refreshing dish.
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl: Layer rice, chicken, and vegetables in a bowl for a quick and satisfying meal.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness in teriyaki sauce.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to bring the sauce to a boil after adding cornstarch for optimal thickness.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving for added freshness.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so resist the urge to rush it!
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with complementary side dishes elevates your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- White Rice: Classic choice; fluffy white rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice: Nutty flavor adds health benefits; it’s higher in fiber than white rice.
- Quinoa: A protein-rich alternative; serves as a great base for your chicken stir-fry.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas add nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
- Noodle Stir-Fry: Use lo mein or udon noodles tossed in soy sauce for an Asian-inspired side.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provides protein and makes for a great snack alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making crock pot Teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the marination: Not letting the chicken soak in the sauce for a while can lead to bland meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Packing too much chicken in can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Ignoring the cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Always follow time guidelines for tender meat.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce: Neglecting to mix in cornstarch will leave you with a watery sauce. Always thicken it after cooking for a rich finish.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: Poor quality soy sauce can ruin the flavor of your teriyaki chicken. Choose a good brand for best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover crock pot teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until thoroughly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making crock pot teriyaki chicken:
How long does it take to cook crock pot teriyaki chicken?
Cooking on low takes approximately 6 hours, while cooking on high takes around 3 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about an hour.
What should I serve with crock pot teriyaki chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad.
Can I customize my crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when my teriyaki chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Final Thoughts
Crock pot teriyaki chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or serve it alongside various sides. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, perfect for any busy weeknight!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously easy meal that transforms tender chicken breasts into a flavorful dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this slow cooker recipe features a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. In just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your home as it cooks. Serve this savory chicken over fluffy rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or in a fresh Asian salad for a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the 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 freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil in the cooker (do not add cornstarch yet).
- Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat with sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken and shred it in a serving dish; strain the sauce into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth; add to strained sauce and bring to a boil until thickened.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the thickened sauce; serve with remaining sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
