Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. With just 5 minutes of prep, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy families or meal preppers. The chicken cooks to tender perfection in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, making it an ideal pairing with rice and stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy this versatile recipe for casual dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• To Thicken
• For Garnish
• How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Shred the Chicken
• Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
• Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce
• Step 9: Serve Your Dish
• How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• With Steamed Rice
• On Lettuce Wraps
• Over Noodles
• In a Sandwich
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• In a Salad
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• Can I use other meats?
• How do I customize my teriyaki sauce?
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
• How do I serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it.
• Delicious Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce gives a rich taste that your family will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, veggies, or salads for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials for making your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Fine mesh sieve
• Saucepan
• Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance does all the work for you by gently cooking the chicken to perfection.
• Whisk: A whisk helps ensure that all ingredients are well combined for a smooth sauce.
• Fine mesh sieve: Straining the cooking liquid allows you to achieve a silky-smooth teriyaki sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breasts

For the Sauce

• 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

To Thicken

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cool water

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bowl of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In the slow cooker, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Soy sauce
3. Rice vinegar
4. Mirin
5. Powdered ginger
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Black pepper
9. Sesame oil
Do not add cornstarch and water yet.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, turning them to coat completely in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

Strain cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water to make a slurry. Whisk this into the strained sauce in your saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Mix half of the thickened sauce into your shredded chicken, reserving the remaining sauce for serving.

Step 9: Serve Your Dish

Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and easy to serve in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these serving suggestions will enhance your dish and satisfy your taste buds.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is the classic pairing, absorbing the flavorful teriyaki sauce beautifully.

On Lettuce Wraps

• Serve the shredded chicken in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s crunchy and refreshing.

Over Noodles

• Try it on top of ramen or udon noodles, adding extra teriyaki sauce for a delicious twist.

In a Sandwich

• Use hoagie rolls or buns to create a quick teriyaki chicken sandwich, adding slaw for crunch.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair your chicken with colorful stir-fried veggies for a balanced meal packed with nutrients.

In a Salad

• Toss the shredded chicken on mixed greens with sesame dressing for a light yet satisfying salad.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these helpful tips for perfecting flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide more robust flavors than their powdered counterparts.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or substitute it with brown sugar for balanced flavor.
• Cook Low and Slow: For the most tender chicken, cook on low heat instead of high. This helps maintain moisture.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to whisk cornstarch well into the cooking liquid to avoid lumps in your sauce.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes when preparing the sauce.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

When serving Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, consider these side dishes that complement its sweet and savory profile perfectly. Each option adds variety and enhances your meal experience.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and eggs; it pairs wonderfully with teriyaki chicken.
2. Vegetable Stir Fry: Quick-cooked seasonal vegetables add color and crunch while balancing out the meal’s richness.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame vinaigrette brings freshness to your plate.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious; steamed broccoli provides a healthy green addition to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers a protein-packed side that complements the dish nicely.
6. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and fiber while being fun to eat as an appetizer or side dish.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with garlic powder can be an indulgent alternative alongside your chicken.
8. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in soy sauce and sesame oil brings balance to this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the Sauce Balance: Using too much soy sauce can make your dish overly salty. Always measure ingredients to maintain flavor balance.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking for too long can lead to dry chicken. Stick to the recommended cook times for tender results.
• Not Shredding Properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can result in uneven flavor distribution. Use two forks for even shredding and coating with sauce.
• Skipping the Thickening Step: Not thickening the sauce can leave it watery. Make sure to use cornstarch or an alternative as directed for a rich glaze.
• Neglecting Storage Guidelines: Improper storage may compromise freshness. Follow proper refrigeration and freezing techniques to keep your teriyaki chicken delicious.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a simple slow-cooked dish featuring chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce.

Can I use other meats?

Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or even pork in this recipe, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

How do I customize my teriyaki sauce?

Feel free to adjust sweetness by adding more honey or using brown sugar. You can also add fresh garlic or ginger for extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

How do I serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or in wraps for a delicious meal that pleases everyone!

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delicious flavors that your family will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various sauces and sides. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience of slow cooking while delighting in a fantastic Asian-inspired meal!

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