Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a savory Asian dish at home. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the magic. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. The tender chicken, coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, pairs wonderfully with rice and stir-fried vegetables, making it a versatile option for any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful Meal: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering teriyaki sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe serves up to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken breasts and fresh ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Pair this chicken with your favorite sides like rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal that suits everyone’s taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium serving dish
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender and juicy chicken without constant monitoring.
• Whisk: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Medium Serving Dish: Perfect for presenting your shredded chicken in style.

Ingredients

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

For Thickening

• 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.

Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker. Whisk to combine well.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from the crockpot and place 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 Sauce

Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan. Carefully pour sauce through the strainer into the saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch with cool water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the strained sauce in the saucepan. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Boil Sauce

Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 9: Mix Chicken with Sauce

Add half of the thickened sauce to the shredded chicken. Reserve half of the sauce for serving.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite Asian salad!

Enjoy this effortless yet impressive recipe that brings bold flavors right to your dinner table!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not just a main dish; it’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly with the savory teriyaki sauce, soaking up all the flavors.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap shredded chicken for a fresh and low-carb option. Add shredded carrots and cucumber for crunch.

Over Noodles

• Serve the teriyaki chicken over udon or soba noodles. Drizzle with extra sauce for added flavor.

As a Salad Topping

• Top mixed greens with shredded teriyaki chicken, sliced bell peppers, and sesame seeds for a delicious salad.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Accompany your dish with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added nutrition.

In a Sandwich

• Make a tasty sandwich using crusty bread or burger buns filled with shredded chicken and topped with slaw for added texture.

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How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will yield the best flavor and texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: This helps control sodium levels while still providing great flavor.
• Add veggies early: If you like vegetables in your dish, add them to the slow cooker at the beginning of cooking.
• Taste as you go: Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce as needed during cooking.
• Let it rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving; this enhances flavor absorption.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or green onions for garnish to enhance the dish’s complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A classic pairing that adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
2. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad offers protein and fiber alongside your main dish.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked veggies add color and crunch, making your meal more vibrant.
4. Edamame: Simple steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a nutritious bite-sized treat.
5. Miso Soup: This warm soup adds depth to your meal while being light and comforting.
6. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables create a refreshing side that complements the savory chicken.
7. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad balances out the rich flavors of teriyaki chicken nicely.
8. Kimchi: For those who enjoy a kick of flavor, kimchi adds spice and probiotics to your plate.

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.

• Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to sticking. Always grease the container before adding ingredients.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times of 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
• Adding Cornstarch Too Early: Adding cornstarch with the other ingredients can result in a lumpy sauce. Mix it with water and add it later for smoothness.
• Ignoring the Sauce: Discarding the sauce after cooking is a mistake! Use half to mix into the chicken and save half for serving.
• Not Shredding Properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can lead to uneven flavor. Use two forks to ensure it’s shredded evenly.
• Forgetting About Pairings: Serving without sides is common. Pair your teriyaki chicken with rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken covered until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Place chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken that may help you.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just increase cooking time by about an hour on low.

How do I make teriyaki sauce from scratch?

To make teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and sesame oil as in this recipe.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salads for a balanced meal.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is both delicious and versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different veggies or adjusting the sauce’s sweetness. Try this simple recipe for your next busy weeknight dinner—your family will love it!