The Ultimate Slow Cooker Teriyaki: Your Effortless Weeknight Victory! 🍛🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, tender, and juicy meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. This easy teriyaki chicken recipe combines succulent chicken with a sweet and savory homemade sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re a busy parent or a home cook seeking a simple yet delicious dinner, this dump and go chicken recipe is your new best friend. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables, making it a versatile dish for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 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 grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. This flavorful mixture will serve as the base of your easy teriyaki chicken sauce.
Place the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Arrange your chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover with the lid.
Cook on Low for Tender Results
Set your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with the delicious sauce.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
For a thicker, glaze-like sauce, remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve and Garnish
Slice or shred the chicken if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to enhance flavor and presentation.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or gently warm in a skillet until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Crockpot Teriyaki
This dump and go chicken recipe shines when paired with steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Complement with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy for a balanced, nutritious meal. You can also add a side of effortless orzo or Asian-style noodles to add variety.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well but may cook faster and can become drier if overcooked. Use a thermometer and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total prep time is about 10 minutes, with 4-6 hours of slow cooking, making it perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner.
What are some suitable substitutions for honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for similar sweetness and flavor.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To elevate your cooking experience, check out these essential kitchen tools:
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: The perfect appliance to effortlessly cook tender Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures your rice or vegetables cook evenly and release easily.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Cool drinks or sauces in a flash to complete your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for preparing vegetables for stir-fry or garnish.
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9. Conclusion
In summary, the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy teriyaki chicken recipe that guarantees tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Its simple ingredients and one-pot method make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a few kitchen tools and your favorite sides, this dump and go chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that everyone will love!
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The Ultimate Slow Cooker Teriyaki: Your Effortless Weeknight Victory!
Discover the ultimate slow cooker teriyaki recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a delicious homemade sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless dish features minimal prep and maximum flavor, making it your go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. Serve over rice or vegetables and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious dinner with ease.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 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 grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful sauce base.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce.
- Optional: Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Serve hot over rice or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, make sure to cook on high after adding the cornstarch slurry.
- Use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but be mindful not to overcook to prevent drying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg