Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicke🧑🍳🥢✨
1. Introduction
When life gets busy, finding time for home-cooked meals can be challenging. That’s where slow cooker teriyaki chicken comes to the rescue! This delicious and effortless dish is perfect for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends. Known alternatively as dump and go teriyaki chicken or crockpot teriyaki chicken, it combines tender chicken with a flavorful teriyaki sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Not only is this meal incredibly easy to prepare, but it also offers a savory taste that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauces
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Step 2: Place Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. For faster results, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and slice it before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an authentic touch. Serve over steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until hot or warm in a skillet on the stove. You can also freeze the cooked chicken in portions for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy weeks.
5. Serving Suggestions for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, sautéed vegetables, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb meal. For more healthy ideas, explore this low-carb chicken casserole.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, making them a perfect substitute for breasts in this recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining flavor.
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep time is minimal—about 10 minutes to mix ingredients and place the chicken in the slow cooker. The cooking time ranges from 2 to 6 hours depending on the setting.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a wholesome one-pot meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This spacious slow cooker ensures even cooking and is perfect for large batches of easy teriyaki chicken.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Simplify chopping garlic and ginger with this efficient prep tool.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer: Great for preparing side dishes or sauces effortlessly.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for chilling drinks or preparing smoothies to complement your meal.
8. Conclusion
Making slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a game-changer for busy nights. Its simple dump-and-go method, combined with the rich, savory flavors, makes it a family favorite and an excellent meal prep option. Whether served over rice, with vegetables, or in lettuce wraps, this dish will quickly become a staple in your weekly menu. Give it a try today and enjoy delicious homemade teriyaki chicken with minimal effort!
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Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken for Busy Nights
A simple, flavorful crockpot dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Mix teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl and pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat with sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs based on preference.
- Adjust sweetness with honey or sugar as desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian inspired
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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