Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it while it works its magic. The sweet and savory flavors meld beautifully, making this dish a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it with stir-fried vegetables and fried rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
• 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 Your Chicken
• Step 5: Remove and Shred Chicken
• Step 6: Strain the Sauce
• Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce
• Step 8: Bring Sauce to a Boil
• Step 9: Combine Chicken with Sauce
• Step 10: Serve Your Dish!
• How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Over Rice
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• In Lettuce Wraps
• As Tacos
• On a Salad
• In Bowls
• 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?
• How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• How do I store leftovers?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of active prep time, you can have dinner ready without fuss.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich teriyaki sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair this dish with rice, stir-fried veggies, or even in lettuce wraps for different meal ideas.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, making it a hit with all ages at the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Delight: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows you to cook the chicken low and slow, resulting in tender meat that falls apart easily.
• Fine mesh strainer: This tool is crucial for ensuring a smooth sauce by removing any solids from your teriyaki mixture.
• Whisk: Use this to thoroughly combine your sauce ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

• 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 with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

Add the sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of your slow cooker. Whisk them together well. Remember, do NOT add the cornstarch and water mixture yet!

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

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

Step 4: Cook Your Chicken

Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when done.

Step 5: Remove and Shred Chicken

Take out the chicken from the crockpot and place it into a medium serving dish. Do not discard the sauce! Use two forks to shred the chicken and cover it to keep warm.

Step 6: Strain the Sauce

Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan. Carefully pour the reserved sauce through it into the saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce

Mix together cornstarch with cool water until smooth. Add this mixture to your strained sauce in the saucepan. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Bring Sauce to a Boil

Bring your sauce to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Combine Chicken with Sauce

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

Step 10: Serve Your Dish!

Serve your delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken alongside rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.

Over Rice

• Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a comforting meal.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a nutritious side.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

As Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create Asian-inspired tacos, adding slaw for crunch and extra flavor.

On a Salad

• Toss the teriyaki chicken into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing for a refreshing dish.

In Bowls

• Create a rice bowl with the chicken, avocado, edamame, and drizzled sauce for an easy meal prep option.

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How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To ensure your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey in the recipe to suit your taste.

• Don’t rush cooking: Allowing the chicken to cook on low will result in more tender meat compared to cooking on high.

• Thicken sauce properly: Mix cornstarch with cool water before adding to ensure it blends well without clumps.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that complements teriyaki flavors beautifully; add veggies and scrambled eggs for extra nutrition.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective; this green vegetable adds color and health benefits to your meal.

3. Sesame Noodles: Tossed noodles in sesame oil and soy sauce make a delightful addition that balances the dish’s sweetness.

4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

5. Miso Soup: A warm miso soup can be a light starter before diving into your main course.

6. Asian Slaw: A crispy slaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key things that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Marinating Step: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly before cooking.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap soy sauce or honey can ruin the taste of your dish. Opt for high-quality ingredients for better flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking for too long can make your chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
• Not Thicker Sauce: Failing to thicken the sauce with cornstarch may leave you with a watery texture. Always follow the instructions for a rich, glossy sauce.
• Neglecting to Shred Properly: Shredding the chicken incorrectly can lead to uneven bites. Use two forks and shred until you have consistent pieces.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish with a little sauce and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding extra sauce as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure they are fully cooked before serving, which may require additional cooking time.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

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

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy a warm, comforting meal on busy nights!