Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that will satisfy your cravings for Asian flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with aromatic garlic and ginger, sweet honey, and savory soy sauce. The result is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Just set it in the crock pot and let it do the work! Enjoy this easy yet flavorful dish over rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory sauce that enhances the chicken.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for serving at family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and balanced with wholesome ingredients like honey and ginger.
- Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Strainer
- Saucepan
- Forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This appliance ensures even cooking and allows you to set it and forget it, making meal prep hassle-free.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker; it helps blend flavors well.
- Strainer: Useful for separating the sauce from solids to create a smooth teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is chicken breasts cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then shredded and drizzled with sauce. Serve over rice for an easy yet satisfying crock pot dinner!
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 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
For Thickening
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For 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 Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook It Right
- 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 chicken from the slow cooker.
- Shred it using two forks.
Step 6: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
- Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
- Place saucepan on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved.
- Pour this mixture into your saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Step 8: Combine Everything Together
- Pour thickened sauce over shredded chicken and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Serving slow cooker teriyaki chicken can transform a simple dish into a delightful meal experience. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your dinner.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making it a perfect pairing.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Accompany your chicken with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. This adds color and nutrients to your plate.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Scoop the teriyaki chicken into fresh lettuce leaves for a light and crunchy alternative. Add some chopped veggies for extra texture.
On Noodles
- Serve the chicken on top of cooked noodles for a filling meal. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
As Tacos
- Create unique tacos using tortillas filled with teriyaki chicken, avocado, and shredded cabbage. Top with sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
With Quinoa
- For a healthier option, serve over quinoa instead of rice. This adds protein and fiber to your meal.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with slow cooker teriyaki chicken, follow these tips for perfectly tender and flavorful meat.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide more robust flavors than their dried counterparts.
- Avoid overcooking: Cooking on HIGH for too long may dry out the chicken. Stick to recommended cooking times.
- Check seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving; you can adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to sit in the sauce for a few minutes after shredding to soak up more flavor.
- Experiment with garnishes: Try adding crushed peanuts or sliced radishes as additional toppings for extra crunch.
- Make ahead: Prepare your ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. Just dump them in when you’re ready!
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Pair slow cooker teriyaki chicken with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors while providing variety to your meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that adds vibrant color and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
- Fried Rice: A classic pairing that offers a savory taste. Use leftover rice for an easy preparation.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad adds a crisp texture and lightness, perfect alongside savory dishes.
- Edamame: These young soybeans are packed with protein and make great finger food or a side dish option.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting flavors that complement teriyaki chicken beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory notes of teriyaki sauce while offering hearty satisfaction.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add tangy pickled veggies on the side for an exciting contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing can add brightness and texture to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking slow cooker teriyaki chicken can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:
-
Using the wrong chicken cut: Always use boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Thighs may add richness but can result in a greasy dish.
-
Skipping the marination: Skipping marination leads to bland chicken. Ensure you let the sauce soak in for a while before cooking.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial. Too much soy sauce can make your dish overly salty, while too little honey may lack sweetness.
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Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times matter! Follow guidelines closely to ensure tender chicken without dryness. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
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Ignoring the thickening step: Failing to thicken the sauce means a watery finish. Don’t skip mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover slow cooker teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
-
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
-
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
-
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about slow cooker teriyaki chicken:
Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or two depending on your slow cooker settings.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Is Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is relatively low in calories and high in protein. You can adjust sugar levels for a healthier version too.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. This dish makes for a comforting weeknight dinner and is sure to impress your family!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Enjoy this easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe that’s packed with flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights—try it tonight!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with forks and return it to the slow cooker to mix with the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on HIGH (5–6 hours on LOW)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
