Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish that requires just five minutes of prep time. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming tender chicken breasts into a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it with rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner.

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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:
• How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Mix the Sauce
• Step 3: Add the Chicken
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Shred the Chicken
• Step 6: Strain and Thicken Sauce
• Step 7: Combine
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• With Rice
• With Vegetables
• In Wraps
• As Part of a 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
• What is Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
• How do I make this dish gluten-free?
• Can I customize the vegetables served with it?
• How do I store leftovers?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes needed to prepare, this recipe fits perfectly into any hectic schedule.
• Flavor Packed: The homemade teriyaki sauce combines sweetness and savory notes, creating a mouthwatering dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this chicken over rice, in wraps, or as part of a salad; it adapts to your meal choices easily.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week or freeze portions for future meals.
• Family Favorite: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its delightful flavors and textures.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you will need a few essential tools. These will help simplify the cooking process and ensure your dish turns out great.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Fine mesh sieve
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring the chicken becomes tender without constant attention.
• Whisk: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly for a smooth teriyaki sauce.
• Fine mesh sieve: Ensures a smooth sauce by removing any solid bits from the cooking liquid.

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

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

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

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In the slow cooker, whisk together the following ingredients until well combined:
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 the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn them to coat in the sauce evenly.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 6: Strain and Thicken Sauce

Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cool water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the strained sauce.

Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 7: Combine

Mix half of the thickened sauce into your shredded chicken. Reserve any remaining sauce for serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken over rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or atop an Asian-inspired salad for an extra boost of flavor!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you want a quick meal or a fancy dinner, there are plenty of ways to serve this dish that will delight your family and friends.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing, steamed white rice absorbs the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: Turn leftover rice into a flavorful fried rice dish with veggies and eggs for added texture.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds fiber and nutty flavor to your meal.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quickly sauté seasonal veggies like bell peppers and broccoli for a colorful, crunchy side.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and roasted complements the sweetness of the chicken well.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and freshness.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with teriyaki chicken and crunchy vegetables.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread some sauce inside a tortilla, add shredded chicken, and top with your favorite veggies for a handheld meal.

As Part of a Salad

• Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Toss shredded chicken over mixed greens with sesame dressing for a light yet satisfying salad.
• Grain Bowl: Layer the chicken over quinoa or farro with fresh vegetables for a hearty bowl meal.

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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 enhance the flavor profile compared to dried spices.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey amount in the sauce based on your taste preference.
• Control Cooking Time: Cooking on low for longer yields tender chicken; avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
• Add Vegetables Early: For additional nutrition, toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers during cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce before serving; this helps infuse more flavor.
• Garnish Stylishly: Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions just before serving for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of teriyaki.
2. Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the rich teriyaki sauce.
3. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach dressed lightly in soy sauce provides a nutritious side packed with vitamins.
4. Asian Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad tossed with sesame oil and veggies offers a refreshing contrast to warm chicken.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar gives a crisp texture that complements savory dishes well.
6. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide crunchiness along with garlicky goodness that pairs wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a more successful dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to let the chicken soak in the teriyaki sauce can result in bland flavors. Always ensure the chicken is well-coated before cooking.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap soy sauce or honey can impact taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: Leaving the chicken in large pieces may lead to uneven flavor distribution. Shred the chicken thoroughly for better sauce absorption.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking it too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on cook times and test for tenderness, especially if using different cuts of chicken.

• Neglecting to Thicken the Sauce: Serving with a watery sauce detracts from the dish. Always thicken your sauce with cornstarch for that desired glaze.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled down before sealing the container.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious dish made by slow-cooking chicken breasts in a homemade teriyaki sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness and flavor. They also tend to stay moist even if cooked longer.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I customize the vegetables served with it?

Absolutely! You can add any stir-fried vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to two months.

Final Thoughts

This easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners alike. Its savory-sweet flavor pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables, making it a versatile meal option. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spice levels. Give it a try!