Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The tender chicken absorbs a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish pairs beautifully with stir fry vegetables and fried rice, making it both versatile and delicious.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Shred Chicken
• Step 6: Strain Sauce
• Step 7: Thicken Sauce
• Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• With Fried Rice
• Over Steamed Rice
• Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables
• In Lettuce Wraps
• Topped with Sesame Seeds
• With an Asian Salad
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What can I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• How can I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Spend only 5 minutes getting everything ready before letting the slow cooker do the rest.
• Flavorful Meal: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a tasty sauce that elevates ordinary chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy with rice, veggies, or even in wraps; it fits many meal styles.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Easy Clean-Up: With everything cooked in one pot, clean-up is a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make this crock pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of your recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking that results in tender chicken.
• Whisk: Use this to combine the sauce ingredients smoothly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Fine mesh strainer: This tool helps separate any solids from your sauce, ensuring a smooth texture.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious crock pot Teriyaki Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 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
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon cool water

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients

Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker. Whisk to combine. Remember not to add the cornstarch and water mixture yet!

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce. Shred chicken using two forks and set aside.

Step 6: Strain Sauce

Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan and carefully pour sauce through it into the saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch in cool water and add it to the strained sauce. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken. Save the other half for serving.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your crock pot Teriyaki Chicken with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad! Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fried Rice

• Fried rice adds a satisfying texture and complements the sweet, savory flavors of the teriyaki chicken.

Over Steamed Rice

• A simple bowl of steamed rice provides a neutral base, allowing the rich sauce to shine through.

Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Colorful stir-fried veggies not only add nutrition but also bring vibrant colors to your plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the teriyaki chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy experience.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkling sesame seeds on top enhances both the aesthetic and flavor profile, adding a nutty crunch.

With an Asian Salad

• Pairing with an Asian-inspired salad brings in additional textures and flavors, creating a refreshing contrast.

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How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor compared to powdered versions.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with brown sugar.
• Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• Thicken sauce properly: Ensure you mix cornstarch thoroughly into water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
• Shred while warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it easier and helps absorb more sauce.
• Store leftovers correctly: Keep any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice
   A classic choice that combines rice with mixed vegetables and eggs for added protein.

2. Garlic Green Beans
   Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic create a flavorful, crunchy side that balances the sweetness of the chicken.

3. Asian Noodle Salad
   Cold noodles mixed with crunchy vegetables and sesame dressing provide a refreshing contrast to warm chicken.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar can cleanse your palate between bites of rich teriyaki chicken.

5. Miso Soup
   This traditional Japanese soup adds warmth and depth to your meal while keeping things light.

6. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli not only adds color but also nutrients, making it a healthy pairing.

7. Quinoa
   For a nutritious twist, serve your teriyaki chicken over quinoa for added protein and fiber.

8. Bok Choy Stir-Fry
   Lightly stir-fried bok choy enhances your plate‘s presentation while providing essential vitamins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong chicken cuts: Always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Dark meat can become too greasy in a slow cooker.
• Skipping the sauce whisking step: Whisking the sauce ingredients ensures even flavor distribution. Don’t just dump them in; mix well!
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long can dry out your chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
• Ignoring sauce thickening: Skipping the cornstarch step will leave you with a watery sauce. Take a few extra minutes to thicken it properly.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your dish and adjust soy sauce or honey as needed before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use medium power, heating in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

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

What can I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian-inspired salads for a complete meal.

How can I customize my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli directly into the slow cooker during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it over different grains. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!