Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce made from teriyaki and soy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep work, allowing the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish brings a taste of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. Pair it with rice or noodles and let your family enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors, resulting in a tender, juicy dish with a sticky, sweet glaze. It’s an excellent choice for families who want a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served in various ways, making it a reliable staple in your recipe rotation.
How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Place the chicken in the crockpot. You can use either thighs or breasts, depending on your preference. The thighs tend to stay juicier, but both cuts will be delicious!
### Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. This savory and sweet mixture is what makes the dish irresistible.
### Step 3: Cooking
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
### Step 4: Finishing
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving. This will give your teriyaki chicken a luscious texture. Once done, serve it over freshly cooked rice or noodles, topped with sesame seeds and green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Serve your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an appealing presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh cabbage salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Choosing the Right Chicken: While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breasts offer a leaner option. Choose based on your dietary preference.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, using cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking is a quick and easy fix.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead and reheated easily.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavors significantly, so try to use them instead of dried alternatives when possible.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, decrease the honey slightly.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cooked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Throw in some pineapple chunks into the crockpot for a tropical twist and extra sweetness.
- Serving Style: Try serving the dish in lettuce wraps for a fun, healthy take.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients as long as your crockpot has enough space. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
3. What if I run out of teriyaki sauce?
If you’re out of teriyaki sauce, you can make a simple homemade version using soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar.
4. Is it necessary to sear the chicken before cooking?
No, searing isn’t necessary with this recipe. The slow cooking process will ensure your chicken is flavorful and tender.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your teriyaki sauce is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the delicious flavors of Asian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Its ease of preparation and the ability to cater to different tastes make it a must-try. Whether you whip it up for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness, and don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients and sides to make it your own! Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot and ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce about 30 minutes before serving for a thicker sauce. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Use fresh garlic and ginger for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
