Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal any day of the week. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The rich flavors of teriyaki sauce combined with tender chicken make it a standout choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only five minutes needed for prep, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Dish: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a savory sauce that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even on its own.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a crock pot means less mess in the kitchen and easy cleanup after your meal.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves up to eight people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, which makes meal prep easy.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine all the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Use this to ensure your sauce is silky smooth by removing any solids.
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 with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Add all the sauce ingredients into the prepared slow cooker:
1. Pour in honey.
2. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil.
3. Whisk until everything is well combined. Make sure not to add cornstarch yet!
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker:
1. Turn them gently to coat in the teriyaki sauce thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook
Set your slow cooker:
1. Cook on low for about six hours or high for three hours until chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked:
1. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish.
2. Shred using two forks and cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Strain and Thicken Sauce
Prepare to thicken your sauce:
1. Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan and carefully pour the remaining sauce through it.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth; then add this mixture to your strained sauce.
Step 7: Boil Sauce
Bring your saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Mix half of the thickened sauce with shredded chicken:
1. Save the other half for serving later.
Step 9: Serve!
Enjoy your meal:
Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or an Asian salad for a complete meal!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or preparing a quick meal for your family, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a nutritious boost.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, serve the teriyaki chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for fresh and crunchy wraps.
On Noodles
- Toss the shredded chicken with noodles and some of the sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired noodle dish.
As Sandwich Filling
- Use the teriyaki chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, adding cucumber slices for extra crunch.
With Fried Rice
- Enhance your meal by serving it alongside fried rice, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these simple tips that will enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions to bring out brighter flavors in your dish.
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor cooking time closely; overcooked chicken can become dry. Follow recommended cooking durations.
- Add Vegetables Early: If you prefer vegetables in your dish, add them during the last hour of cooking to retain their texture.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste the sauce before mixing it with the chicken; adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Fried Rice: A classic side that complements teriyaki sauce well, loaded with veggies and proteins.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the chicken.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in sesame dressing brings freshness to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious grain salad mixed with herbs and vegetables creates a wholesome pairing.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a satisfying crunch alongside the tender chicken.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet grilled pineapple adds a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with teriyaki flavors.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes for a comforting start to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to warm dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing your slow cooker can lead to sticking and burning. Always grease the container before adding ingredients.
- Adding Cornstarch Too Early: If you add cornstarch too soon, it won’t thicken properly. Wait until after cooking to mix it with water and add it to the sauce.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender, juicy chicken.
- Not Covering Shredded Chicken: Leaving shredded chicken uncovered can dry it out. Always cover it after shredding to keep it moist.
- Ignoring Sauce Separation: The sauce can separate if not stirred well after cooking. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through.
- Microwave: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add chicken and a splash of sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salad for a complete meal.
How do I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra flavor and nutrition!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe?
Yes, but cooking time may need adjustment. Make sure they are fully cooked before serving.
What if I don’t have mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar for a similar flavor profile.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is both delicious and versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution for a quick, delicious meal that requires minimal effort. This savory dish combines tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and spices. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe serves up to eight people, making it a fantastic option to impress guests without demanding too much of your time in the kitchen.
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 your slow cooker.
- Mix all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken and mix with half of the thickened sauce.
- Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or in lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (140g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
