Effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Your Weeknight Hero

Effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Your Weeknight Hero 🍗🍍✨

1. Introduction

Discover the ultimate Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe that effortlessly transforms your busy weeknights into a delicious, nutritious meal. This easy teriyaki chicken or dump and go chicken recipe is perfect for those who crave flavorful, tender chicken without the hassle of complicated cooking steps. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a true weeknight hero that will impress your family and friends alike. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner idea, this recipe is your go-to solution for a quick, nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
  • Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

3. Preparation of the Dump and Go Chicken Recipe

3.1. Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all ingredients listed above. Ensure your chicken is thawed if frozen to allow for even cooking. For added convenience, consider using a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to chop garlic and ginger quickly.

3.2. Combine the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This creates the flavorful teriyaki sauce that will infuse your chicken with authentic taste. For premium nonstick cookware, you might check out the CAROTE 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set to prepare other Asian-inspired dishes.

3.3. Load the Crockpot

Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor. For easy and hands-free cooking, use a Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker.

4. Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

4.1. Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable. The result will be juicy and flavorful chicken perfect for a quick dinner.

4.2. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened. For a more efficient cooking setup, you might consider the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 for crispy veggies or sides.

5. Serving Suggestions for Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Serve the tender, flavorful Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added crunch and freshness. Complement it with a side of zesty zucchini beef stir-fry or sweet Asian-inspired vegetables for a complete meal.

6. Storage Tips for Dump and Go Chicken Recipe

Allow the cooked chicken to cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through. For proper storage, use a JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set.

7. Tips and Variations for Perfect Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor and juiciness.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a wholesome, veggie-loaded meal.
  • Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying honey or soy sauce quantities.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free by choosing tamari instead of soy sauce, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. For more kitchen essentials, check out the Nonstick Cookware Set.

8. FAQs about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

What is the best cut of chicken for slow cooker teriyaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for Crockpot teriyaki chicken because they stay moist and become wonderfully tender during slow cooking, but chicken breasts work well too. For preparing a variety of dishes, consider a Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to refresh after cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and assemble the ingredients beforehand, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes it even easier for busy weeknights and keeps your meal prep efficient.

Is Crockpot teriyaki chicken healthy?

Yes, especially if you use low-sodium soy sauce and control the amount of honey or sugar added. It provides a good source of protein and can be part of a balanced diet. For healthy side options, explore sweet vegetables and grains.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or thin?

If the sauce is too thin, use the cornstarch slurry as described. If it becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up before serving. To keep your kitchen organized and efficient, see the Cuisinart Bread Maker for batch prepping.

9. Conclusion

To sum up, the effortless slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a fantastic, versatile dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you call it easy teriyaki chicken or dump and go chicken recipe, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. With tender meat, savory sauce, and a variety of serving options, it’s the perfect solution for busy families and anyone seeking a delicious, foolproof dinner. Give it a try today and enjoy a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat!

Print
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Juicy shredded teriyaki chicken in a slow cooker with steamed rice and garnished with green onions, ready to serve for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Your Weeknight Hero

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Discover the delicious and effortless Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe that transforms busy weeknights into a flavorful feast. This dump-and-go chicken dish requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum flavor with tender, juicy chicken coated in savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for quick dinners, this slow cooker recipe is a family favorite that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
  • Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and ensure chicken is thawed.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
  3. Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over, coating all sides.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and shredded easily.
  5. If thickening the sauce, remove chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the crockpot and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve the shredded chicken over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Add steamed vegetables if desired.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and juiciness.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour for a complete meal.
  • Adjust sweetness and saltiness by modifying the honey or soy sauce quantities.
  • Make it gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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