Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken – This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot, let it simmer, and enjoy a savory, slightly sweet dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and vegetables.
Why Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the hard work.
- Healthier Alternative: You can control the ingredients and avoid store-bought sauces loaded with preservatives.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet-savory balance appeals to both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs are less likely to dry out.
- Don’t Skip the Thickening Step: A slurry ensures your sauce clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next morning.
- Double the Recipe: Crockpots are great for batch cooking; make extra and freeze for later.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Pineapple Teriyaki: Toss in pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Over Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- In Bowls: Create a teriyaki chicken bowl with rice, steamed broccoli, and carrots.
- As Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or tortillas.
- With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair with stir-fried snap peas, bell peppers, and onions.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but keep in mind that starting with frozen chicken may increase cooking time and could result in uneven cooking. It’s best to thaw chicken before adding it to the crockpot.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help keep the meat moist.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use your favorite store-bought sauce. However, making it from scratch ensures a fresher, more flavorful result.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and serve over cauliflower rice.
What vegetables pair well with teriyaki chicken?
Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini complement the dish beautifully.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
If you're looking for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is flavorful, Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken should be at the top of your list.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ cup cold water
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Whisk together garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover, and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
- Strain the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss shredded chicken in the sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 298Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 852mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. Its rich, sticky sauce and tender chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with all the tips and variations, you can easily customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.
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