Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a dream come true for busy cooks. With just five minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that’s bursting with Asian-inspired tastes. Serve it over fried rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe only requires 5 minutes of hands-on time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich and tasty sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with rice, veggies, or even in a wrap for varied meals.
- Easily Scalable: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this recipe serves up to 8 people effortlessly.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pot needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items help ensure you get the best results from your slow cooker.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe; it allows for slow cooking that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly before adding the chicken.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps separate the sauce from any solids, ensuring a smooth texture when thickening.
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: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the prepared slow cooker, add the following ingredients in order:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Mirin
- Powdered ginger
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
-
Sesame oil
-
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
- Do not add the cornstarch and water mixture at this stage.
Step 3: Add Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Turn to coat each piece thoroughly in the flavorful mixture.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for approximately 3 hours.
- The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when done.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish; set aside without discarding any sauce.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cover it to keep warm.
Step 6: Thicken Sauce
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the remaining sauce from the crockpot into a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water until smooth.
- Stir this mixture into the strained sauce.
Step 7: Boil Sauce
- Bring the saucepan to medium-high heat and cook while stirring constantly until thickened to your liking.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Mix half of this thickened sauce into your shredded chicken.
- Reserve the other half of the sauce for serving.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables 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 and toppings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Add vegetables and scrambled eggs for a hearty side that elevates the meal.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots provides crunch and nutrition.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus drizzled with sesame oil enhances the Asian flavors.
- Asian Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
With Noodles
- Rice Noodles: Light and easy, rice noodles soak up the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Soba Noodles: Buckwheat soba noodles add a different texture and flavor profile to the dish.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic can elevate the flavor compared to powders.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify honey levels according to your taste preference; less honey will reduce sweetness.
- Control Cooking Time: Ensure chicken is cooked until tender but not overcooked. Check at intervals if using high heat.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to whisk cornstarch thoroughly into water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some perfect side dishes for your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing flavors.
- Cabbage Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked cabbage garnished with sesame seeds offers a delightful crunch.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a flavorful yet simple side option.
- Egg Fried Rice: A classic that satisfies! Toss in peas and carrots for added nutrition.
- Miso Soup: Light miso soup acts as a wonderful starter or side dish that complements Asian flavors.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These can be filled with vegetables or proteins for an extra treat on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow cooker recipes are easy, but common mistakes can ruin your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the searing step – Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want a richer taste.
- Using low-quality soy sauce – The type of soy sauce impacts the dish’s overall flavor. Invest in a good-quality soy sauce for better results.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender, juicy meat.
- Not adjusting seasoning – Tastes vary; always taste and adjust the seasonings in the sauce before serving. This ensures a balanced flavor profile.
- Ignoring sauce thickening – The sauce should be thickened before mixing with the chicken. Make sure to follow this step for a better consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It’s best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover chicken with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat, stirring until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
You can pair it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian salads for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase cooking time by an hour on low.
How do I make the sauce less salty?
To reduce saltiness, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or add extra honey to balance flavors.
Can I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust flavors to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves up to 8 people
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution for anyone with a busy schedule but a craving for flavor-packed comfort food. With just five minutes of prep, this savory dish simmers in your slow cooker, allowing the sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce to infuse tender chicken breasts. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, serve this delightful dish over jasmine rice or alongside colorful stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that will please everyone at the table.
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. In it, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk until combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the sauce and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for approximately 3 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- Remove chicken from the cooker and shred using two forks.
- Strain remaining sauce into a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce over medium-high heat until thickened.
- Mix half of the sauce with shredded chicken and reserve the rest for serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Low - 6 hours / High - 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
