Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and ginger, all enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. The slow cooker does the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply add ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory taste.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it great for family dinners.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for different meal ideas.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for meal prepping; just store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious slow cooker teriyaki chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking that makes chicken tender and flavorful.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining your sauces evenly before pouring them over the chicken.
• Whisk: Ensures that all ingredients are well-mixed for a consistent flavor.
• Strainer: Helps separate any solids from the teriyaki sauce for a smooth finish.

Ingredients

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is chicken breasts cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce and honey, then shredded and drizzled with sauce. Serve over rice for an easy yet satisfying crock pot dinner!

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

For Thickening

• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until combined.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-high heat until it simmers.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved.
4. Pour this mixture into the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Combine Everything

1. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss well to coat.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Now you have an easy-to-make slow cooker teriyaki chicken that’s sure to impress! Enjoy this delicious dish at your next dinner gathering or simply as a comforting meal at home.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a delightful meal for guests, here are some serving suggestions that highlight its delicious flavors.

Over Rice

• Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a classic combination.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the chicken into fresh lettuce leaves and add your favorite toppings for a light and refreshing dish.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with stir-fried vegetables for added color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work well.

On a Bun

• Transform this dish into a sandwich by serving it on toasted buns with crunchy slaw and extra teriyaki sauce.

As Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to create teriyaki chicken tacos, topped with avocado slices and cilantro for freshness.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken with cooked udon or soba noodles, adding some sesame seeds and green onions for a hearty meal.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best flavor and texture for your slow cooker teriyaki chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cut of meat: Skinless boneless chicken breasts work best as they remain moist and tender throughout cooking.

• Marinate ahead of time: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours before cooking.

• Monitor cooking time: Avoid overcooking by sticking to recommended times; check doneness at 3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW.

• Thicken your sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Add vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

• Garnish generously: Top your finished dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to enhance both presentation and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker teriyaki chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its sweet and savory flavors.

1. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and is packed with nutrients; steam lightly to maintain crunch.

2. Fried Rice – A flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs makes an excellent pairing that soaks up the sauce.

3. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made from sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar provides a cool contrast to the warm chicken.

4. Quinoa – Nutty quinoa is not only healthy but also absorbs flavors well; serve it alongside your teriyaki dish.

5. Miso Soup – A light miso soup can cleanse the palate between bites of rich teriyaki chicken.

6. Pickled Vegetables – Add tangy pickled veggies on the side to balance out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.

7. Sesame Green Beans – Sautéed green beans tossed with sesame oil create a simple yet tasty accompaniment.

8. Garlic Naan – Soft garlic naan bread is perfect for scooping up saucy bites of chicken while adding an aromatic touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key aspects. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Skipping the thickening step: If you want a rich sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect teriyaki glaze.
• Not seasoning enough: While soy sauce adds flavor, consider adding more spices or garnishes like green onions for an extra flavor boost.
• Ignoring leftovers: Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Store any remaining chicken properly to enjoy it later.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover slow cooker teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in a dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a dish made by cooking chicken breasts with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and spices.

How long does it take to cook slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

It takes about 3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW for perfect results.

Can I use frozen chicken for slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

What can I serve with slow cooker teriyaki chicken?

Serve this dish over rice or noodles, accompanied by steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a delightful and versatile recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table. It’s easy to customize with different veggies or spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family gathering!