Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set this dish in motion and let the slow cooker do the rest. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish balances sweet and savory flavors effortlessly. The tender, shredded chicken pairs beautifully with stir-fried veggies and fried rice, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful Dish: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering teriyaki flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or as part of an Asian-inspired meal.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a crock pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful crock pot teriyaki chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium serving dish
- 4-quart saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe; it ensures the chicken becomes tender while infusing flavors over hours.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps achieve a silky-smooth texture for your sauce by removing any solids.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, gather the following 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. This will help with easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker:
1. Pour in honey.
2. Add soy sauce.
3. Stir in rice vinegar and mirin.
4. Sprinkle in powdered ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil.
6. Whisk all ingredients until well combined.
7. Important: Do not add the cornstarch and water mixture yet!
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them gently to ensure they are fully coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should become easily shred with a fork when done.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crock pot using tongs and place it into a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce at this stage!
Step 6: Strain Sauce
Shred the chicken using two forks and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the sauce:
1. Set a fine mesh strainer over a 4-quart saucepan.
2. Carefully pour sauce through strainer into saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken Sauce
Mix cornstarch with cool water in a small bowl until smooth:
1. Add this mixture to the strained sauce in your saucepan.
2. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 8: Boil Sauce
Bring the strained sauce to a boil over medium-high heat:
1. Cook while stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 9: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Mix half of the thickened sauce into your shredded chicken:
1. Save the remaining half for serving.
Step 10: Serve
Serve your delicious crock pot teriyaki chicken warm over rice or alongside stir-fried veggies or your favorite Asian salad! Enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken makes for a delicious and versatile meal. You can serve it in various ways to suit your taste, making it perfect for any occasion.
Over Rice
- Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, pack the teriyaki chicken into fresh lettuce leaves. Add shredded carrots and cucumbers for crunch.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful plate full of nutrients.
In Tacos
- Use tortillas to create Asian-inspired tacos. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
On a Salad
- Toss the teriyaki chicken over mixed greens with sesame dressing for a refreshing salad option.
As a Sandwich
- Place the shredded chicken on a toasted bun with slaw for a tasty sandwich that’s easy to eat on the go.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose quality chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for optimal tenderness and flavor.
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Marinate longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight to deepen the flavors.
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Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of honey in the sauce based on your preferred sweetness level.
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Thicken sauce effectively: Ensure you whisk cornstarch fully into water before adding it to avoid lumps when thickening the sauce.
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Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the chicken right after mixing with sauce while it’s hot.
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Garnish creatively: Enhance presentation by garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Adding side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to enjoy alongside your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
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Fried Rice: A classic choice that complements teriyaki flavors beautifully; add peas and carrots for extra color.
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Asian Noodles: Tossed noodles with soy sauce and vegetables provide an exciting texture contrast to the tender chicken.
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Steamed Broccoli: Its mild flavor balances well with teriyaki sauce; steam until bright green and tender-crisp.
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Sesame Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans tossed with sesame oil add crunch and flavor to your plate.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar pairs well, cutting through the richness of teriyaki chicken.
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Quinoa Salad: Quinoa mixed with herbs and veggies offers a healthy alternative that’s protein-rich and filling.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup creates an authentic Asian dining experience alongside your main dish.
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Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls stuffed with veggies or meat make an excellent appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Skipping the sauce whisking: Not whisking the sauce ingredients together properly can lead to uneven flavors. Ensure you mix them thoroughly before adding the chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy, tender chicken.
- Ignoring the cornstarch step: Failing to add cornstarch at the right time will prevent your sauce from thickening properly. Mix it with water before adding it to the sauce.
- Not using a strainer: Pouring the sauce directly without straining can leave unwanted bits in your final dish. Always use a fine mesh strainer for a smooth sauce.
- Serving without sides: This dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with rice and vegetables elevates it. Always consider serving options for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to label your container with the date for reference.
Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway for even heating.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add chicken with a splash of water or extra sauce. Stir until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.
How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken less salty?
To reduce saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce and add more honey for sweetness.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, increase cooking time slightly when using them in your slow cooker.
What should I serve with my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How can I customize my teriyaki chicken?
Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an incredible option for busy weeknights. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it appealing to everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or side dishes!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is your go-to meal for busy nights, combining convenience and flavor in one easy dish. With only five minutes of prep time, this slow cooker recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a tender, savory delight. The rich blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering teriyaki flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. Serve it over rice or alongside fresh stir-fried veggies for a wholesome family meal that brings everyone together. Perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to impress without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup mirin
- Spices: ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame oil in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken breasts and coat them with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
- Remove chicken and shred it; strain the sauce to remove solids.
- Thicken the strained sauce with cornstarch mixed with water, then return half to shredded chicken.
- Serve warm over rice or with vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
