Slow Cooker Teriyaki: Effortless Perfection! 🍛🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and foolproof meal, look no further than Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without the hassle. Known for its rich, sweet, and savory sauce, this dump and go chicken recipe leverages the convenience of a slow cooker to deliver tender, juicy chicken every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe promises effortless perfection in every bite.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by placing the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Thicken the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the cooking liquid and turn the slow cooker to high. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve
Shred the chicken if desired and return it to the sauce. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
4. Storage Tips for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving—simply microwave or warm in a skillet.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken pairs excellently with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of stir-fried noodles. For a more vibrant dish, add broccoli florets or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Want to add a spicy kick? Mix in a dash of chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
For additional delicious chicken recipes, explore our Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken or try our Garlic Bread Boats.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Thighs tend to stay tender and flavorful longer.
- What are good substitutions for soy sauce? Coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative. If you prefer a less salty flavor, reduce the soy sauce amount.
- How long does it take to prepare? The total cooking time is approximately 4-6 hours on low, with prep taking about 10 minutes.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Upgrade your cooking experience with these handy tools:
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – This spacious slow cooker makes cooking dump and go chicken recipes like this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken a breeze, providing even heating and easy cleanup.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for preparing sides or additional dishes to complement your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Effortlessly chop and prepare vegetables to serve alongside your flavorful chicken.
8. Additional Resources for Your Kitchen
Enhance your overall cooking efficiency with these tools and resources:
- One-Pot Orzo Perfection – For quick side dishes that pair beautifully with your teriyaki chicken.
- Skillet Cheeseburger orzo – A hearty addition to your meal lineup.
- Effortless Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta – Another easy chicken recipe to explore.
9. Conclusion
In summary, Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy teriyaki chicken recipe that offers effortless perfection in every flavorful bite. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious, tender meal ready to serve in just a few hours. Perfect for busy households or those new to cooking, this dump and go chicken recipe delivers satisfying results every time. Give it a try today and enjoy a wholesome dinner with less stress and more flavor!
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Slow Cooker Teriyaki: Effortless Perfection!
Discover the easiest way to make tender, flavorful Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken with minimal effort. This effortless recipe delivers juicy chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its foolproof method and delicious taste, it’s your new go-to for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker.
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, stir into the cooking liquid, and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Shred the chicken if desired and return it to the sauce. Serve hot over rice or vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For a gluten-free variation, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- To prevent overcooking, check the chicken after 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low to avoid dryness.
- Adding vegetables like broccoli or snap peas during the last 30 minutes can boost flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low / 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using coconut aminos)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg