Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

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This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy families. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can create a flavorful dish that suits any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, this savory-sweet chicken is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce and finished with a glossy glaze, making it perfect for serving over rice or alongside stir-fried veggies.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: Just 5 minutes of prep means less time in the kitchen and more time for you.
Flavor-Packed: The homemade teriyaki sauce brings an authentic taste that beats store-bought options.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even on top of salads for varied meals.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please picky eaters and satisfy everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make it easier to create this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Whisk
Fine mesh sieve
Saucepan
Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors into the chicken.
Whisk: Ensures that your teriyaki sauce ingredients blend smoothly without lumps.
Fine mesh sieve: Strains the sauce to achieve a silky texture by removing solids.

Ingredients

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is packed with flavor and comes together with just 5 minutes of prep. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, then shredded and coated with a thickened glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family dinner, especially when served with rice and stir-fried vegetables.

For the Chicken

2 pounds chicken breasts

For the Sauce:

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

To Thicken:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cool water

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bowl of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In the slow cooker:
1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
2. Do not add cornstarch or water yet.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker:
– Turn them to coat thoroughly with the sauce mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook:
– On low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
2. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Strain and Thicken the Sauce

Strain:
– Pour the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan.

Make a slurry:
1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water.
2. Whisk this mixture into your strained sauce.

Thicken:
– Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring until thickened.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Mix half of the thickened sauce into your shredded chicken:
– Reserve remaining sauce for serving later.

Step 8: Serve Your Dish

Serve your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and delicious, making it perfect for various meals. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Rice

Steamed White Rice: The classic pairing, steamed white rice absorbs the flavorful teriyaki sauce well.
Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve with brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that provides a light base while still complementing the dish.

In Wraps

Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh and crunchy wraps filled with shredded chicken and sauce.
Tortilla Wraps: Roll the teriyaki chicken in tortillas with veggies for a tasty on-the-go meal.

As Salad Topping

Asian Salad: Top mixed greens with teriyaki chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing for a refreshing salad.
Coleslaw: Add chopped teriyaki chicken to coleslaw for a sweet and savory twist on traditional slaw.

With Vegetables

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair your chicken with colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added nutrition.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To make your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken truly exceptional, follow these tips for perfect results.

Bold flavors: Let the sauce marinate on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can significantly boost the taste compared to powdered versions.
Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; you can also use brown sugar as an alternative.
Thicken properly: Always make sure to whisk cornstarch into cool water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become tender and absorb maximum flavor from the sauce.
Add vegetables early: To include veggies in your dish, add them during the last hour of cooking so they remain vibrant and crisp.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options.

Fried Rice: A quick fried rice made with leftover rice, peas, carrots, and eggs is a perfect match.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch while balancing out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables make a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors of teriyaki chicken beautifully.
Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad dressed in sesame oil adds a satisfying texture contrast to your meal.
Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus drizzled with soy sauce enhances umami flavors alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using frozen chicken: Frozen chicken takes longer to cook and may not absorb the flavors properly. Always use thawed chicken breasts for the best results.
Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to soak in the teriyaki sauce can lead to bland flavor. Ensure the chicken is well-coated before cooking.
Not thickening the sauce: Failing to thicken the sauce means you miss out on that delicious glaze. Remember to mix cornstarch with water and add it before boiling.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Check for tenderness at the recommended times, and adjust as needed.
Ignoring ingredient substitutions: Substituting certain ingredients without knowledge can alter the flavor significantly. Stick to key components like mirin for authentic taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time if necessary.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce while preparing your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I add vegetables during cooking?

Absolutely! Adding bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking enhances flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that combines ease with rich flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels!