Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, vibrant flavors, and the ease of a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats shredded chicken beautifully. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set this dish and let your slow cooker do all the work.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this teriyaki chicken over rice, in wraps, or even in salads for a delicious meal any way you choose.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and lower in sodium when using low-sodium soy sauce, it’s a nutritious option for your dinner table.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory taste of this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making slow cooker teriyaki chicken, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Strainer
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! It ensures even cooking while allowing flavors to meld without constant monitoring.
• Mixing Bowl: A simple tool for combining ingredients effortlessly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Strainer: Useful for separating the sauce from solids to create a smooth texture for drizzling over shredded chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Mixture

• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Thickening Agent

• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure all pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat until it simmers. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce and bring to a boil. Cook for 1–2 minutes or until thickened.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken in a mixing bowl. Toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken over rice or your preferred side!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is delicious and versatile, making it perfect for various serving options. You can enjoy it in different ways, whether you want a simple rice bowl or something more elaborate.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the teriyaki chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a hearty Asian-inspired dish.

On a Salad

• Top your favorite salad greens with the teriyaki chicken for an easy and healthy meal.

As Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create teriyaki chicken tacos topped with avocado and cilantro.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with vibrant stir-fried veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the most flavorful slow cooker teriyaki chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality soy sauce – Opt for low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while maintaining flavor.

• Add extra ginger and garlic – Boosting these ingredients will enhance the overall taste of your dish.

• Don’t overcook the chicken – Follow recommended cooking times to ensure tender, juicy meat that shreds easily.

• Thicken the sauce properly – Make sure to mix cornstarch thoroughly in cold water before adding it to the sauce for best results.

• Garnish generously – Adding sesame seeds and green onions will not only elevate presentation but also add texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Pair your slow cooker teriyaki chicken with delicious side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – A simple side that adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

2. Fried Rice – Cooked rice stir-fried with eggs, peas, and carrots offers a tasty accompaniment full of flavor.

3. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the sweet notes of teriyaki chicken.

4. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to tender chicken.

5. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies makes for a nutritious option.

6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter before enjoying the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using enough sauce: Ensure you have enough sauce for the chicken to soak up while cooking. This enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Skipping the shredding step: Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to absorb more of the teriyaki sauce, maximizing flavor.
• Overcooking on high heat: Cooking at high heat for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick with recommended cooking times for juicy results.
• Using regular soy sauce: Opt for low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in your dish, making it healthier and more balanced.
• Neglecting garnishes: Don’t forget to add sesame seeds and green onions before serving. They add texture and a pop of color!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about slow cooker teriyaki chicken.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?

You can serve this dish over rice or noodles. Steamed vegetables also complement it well, adding nutrition and color.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute boneless thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It’s a great alternative that maintains similar flavors without gluten.

Can I add vegetables during cooking?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli about halfway through the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it over various grains. It’s a comforting meal that will surely satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!