Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a delightful way to bring Asian flavors to your table with minimal effort. In just five minutes of prep time, you can create a tender, savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The slow cooker makes it easy to infuse the chicken with rich teriyaki flavors, ensuring every bite is both delicious and satisfying. Serve it over fried rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe only requires 5 minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering teriyaki flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair the chicken with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian salad to suit your taste.
- Feeding a Crowd: With 8 servings, this dish is great for family dinners or potlucks.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the crock pot means less mess and fewer dishes to wash afterwards.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Two forks
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook meals slowly, enhancing flavors without constant attention.
- Whisk: Use this tool to mix sauces thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fine mesh strainer: This helps separate solids from liquids for a smooth sauce texture.
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: Grease the Slow Cooker
Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker:
Pour in honey.
Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
Whisk to combine thoroughly. DO NOT ADD the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage!
Step 3: Add Chicken
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 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should be easily shredable with a fork when done.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it into a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce. Shred the chicken using two forks and cover it to keep warm.
Step 6: Strain the Sauce
Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan and carefully pour the sauce through it into the saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch in cool water then add it to the strained sauce. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture 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 your shredded chicken. Save the remaining half of the sauce for serving.
Step 9: Serve Your Dish
Serve your flavorful 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 a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or preparing a quick meal for your family, here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice – A classic choice, steamed rice absorbs the rich teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients while still complementing the flavors.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful veggies sautéed with soy sauce add crunch and freshness to your meal.
- Roasted Broccoli – Simple roasted broccoli provides a delightful contrast in textures and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
As Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps – Use large lettuce leaves to wrap pieces of teriyaki chicken for a low-carb alternative.
- Tortilla Wraps – Fill tortillas with shredded chicken and vegetables for a satisfying handheld meal.
In Salads
- Asian Salad – Toss together mixed greens, crunchy carrots, and sesame dressing for a refreshing side.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips. Each one will enhance the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.
- Choose Quality Chicken – Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Marinate Longer – If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the sauce before cooking to deepen the flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time – Depending on your slow cooker, monitor cooking times closely for perfectly tender chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ginger and garlic can elevate the taste compared to their powdered counterparts.
- Thicken Sauce Properly – Make sure to whisk cornstarch thoroughly into water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Garnish Wisely – Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options that complement this savory dish.
- Fried Rice – A delicious combination of rice, vegetables, and eggs stir-fried in soy sauce.
- Noodles – Lo mein or udon noodles tossed in sesame oil and vegetables create a satisfying addition.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing offers freshness.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup can be comforting alongside teriyaki chicken.
- Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of teriyaki sauce.
- Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat add crunch and flavor to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong chicken cut: Always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Thighs or bone-in cuts can alter cooking time and texture.
- Ignoring the sauce order: Add the sauce ingredients in the right order to achieve an even flavor. Whisking them together before adding the chicken is key.
- Not shredding properly: Shred the chicken while it’s warm for easier handling. Cold chicken is tougher and can break apart unevenly.
- Overcooking the sauce: When thickening the sauce, keep an eye on it. Overcooking can lead to a burnt flavor; stir constantly until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Skipping garnishes: Don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds! It enhances presentation and adds extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken that might help you with your cooking experience.
How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken spicier?
To add heat, include red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by an hour when using a slow cooker.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salads for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers of teriyaki chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for later use.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This versatile dish can be customized with various vegetables or served over different grains. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy rich Asian flavors right at your dinner table. With just five minutes of prep time, this slow-cooked dish transforms tender chicken breasts into a savory meal infused with the perfect balance of sweet and umami. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, serve it over steamed rice or alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. The convenience of the slow cooker means less mess and easy cleanup, allowing you to relish every bite without stress.
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
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cool water
Instructions
- Grease a large slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and sesame oil; whisk until well mixed.
- Add chicken breasts and turn to coat with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until easily shredable.
- Remove chicken; shred using two forks and keep warm.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with water; add to strained sauce and bring to a boil while stirring until thickened.
- Combine half of the thickened sauce with the shredded chicken and serve with remaining sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 758mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
