Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken simmering in a rich teriyaki sauce that your whole family will love. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also versatile enough to serve at family dinners, meal preps, or even special occasions. Whether you pair it with rice or stir-fried veggies, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: Spend just 5 minutes getting everything ready and let the slow cooker do the rest.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory, making every bite delightful.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, noodles, or as a filling in wraps.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Great for meal prep; it stores well and reheats beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Ensure you have these handy before starting your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Fine mesh sieve
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It cooks the chicken low and slow for maximum tenderness.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Fine mesh sieve: Helps strain out any solids from the sauce for a silky finish.

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

To Thicken:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cool water

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

SAVE THIS!

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bowl of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In the slow cooker, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Soy sauce
3. Rice vinegar
4. Mirin
5. Powdered ginger
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Black pepper
9. Sesame oil

Do not add cornstarch and water yet.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and turn them to coat completely in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Set aside while keeping it warm.

Step 6: Strain Sauce

Strain cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the strained sauce in the saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring until thickened.

Step 8: Combine

Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing meal prep for the week, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination that absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with teriyaki chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a light and healthy meal.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair your teriyaki chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add nutrition and crunch.

In a Grain Bowl

• Create a nourishing grain bowl by combining teriyaki chicken with quinoa or brown rice, topped with avocado slices and sesame seeds.

On Sliders

• Make mini sliders using small buns filled with shredded teriyaki chicken, garnished with pickled veggies for a fun party dish.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

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  Choose the Right Cut: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can result in juicier meat due to their higher fat content.

  
  
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  Marinate Overnight: For richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce overnight before cooking.

  
  
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  Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or use low-sugar alternatives like coconut aminos.

  
  
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  Use Fresh Ingredients: Substitute powdered spices with fresh garlic, ginger, or onions for a more vibrant taste.

  
  
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  Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Ensure you whisk cornstarch with cold water thoroughly before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.

  
  
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  Serve Immediately: For best texture and taste, serve the dish right after mixing in the thickened sauce.

  
  

SAVE THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

When serving Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, complement it with these tasty side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. 
   

   Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice option that pairs perfectly with teriyaki flavors. Cook it according to package instructions for an easy side.

   
   
2. 
   

   Vegetable Fried Rice: A hearty fried rice loaded with veggies adds extra flavor and texture. Use leftover rice for convenience.

   
   
3. 
   

   Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame makes a nutritious side that complements Asian flavors well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar offers a crisp contrast to the rich chicken.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles dressed in soy sauce and sesame oil provide a delightful twist alongside the warm chicken.

   
   
6. 
   

   Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and comfort to your meal while being light on calories.

   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can lead to bland flavor. Always coat the chicken well in the sauce before cooking.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: Poor-quality soy sauce can affect the overall taste of your teriyaki chicken. Invest in a good brand for better flavor.
• Not shredding the chicken: Leaving the chicken whole may prevent it from absorbing the sauce fully. Shred it after cooking for a tastier dish.
• Neglecting to strain the sauce: Skipping this step can result in an unappealing texture. Always strain the cooking liquid for a smooth finish.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times are crucial. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a little water, stirring frequently until hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a simple slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Using chicken thighs will give you extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times if necessary.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I customize the vegetables served with it?

Absolutely! You can serve it with any stir-fried vegetables or even an Asian-inspired salad for added crunch and freshness.

How long does it take to cook this dish?

Cooking time is approximately 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high until the chicken is tender.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also highly versatile. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this dish allows you to customize it with various sides and flavors. Give it a try, and enjoy the ease of slow cooking combined with fantastic taste!

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