Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your go-to solution for a delicious meal with minimal effort. In just 5 minutes, you can prepare everything for a slow cooker full of rich flavors and tender chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish pairs well with rice and stir-fried vegetables, making it incredibly versatile.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
• Step 3: Add the Chicken
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Shred the Chicken
• Step 6: Strain the Sauce
• Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
• Step 8: Boil and Thicken
• Step 9: Combine Chicken and Sauce
• Step 10: Serve
• How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Over Steamed Rice
• In Lettuce Wraps
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• On a Bed of Quinoa
• As a Sandwich Filling
• With Noodles
• 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
• How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken more flavorful?
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
• What side dishes pair well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
• How do I know when my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is done?
• Can I adjust the sweetness of my teriyaki sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
• Flavorful and Tender: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken absorbs all the savory teriyaki flavors, making each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, stir-fried veggies, or even in wraps and salads.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time scrubbing dishes afterward!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium serving dish
• 4-quart saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool makes cooking hands-free. You can set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks.
• Whisk: A whisk helps in combining sauces smoothly, ensuring all ingredients are well-blended for maximum flavor.
• Fine mesh strainer: Using a strainer allows you to achieve a silky sauce without lumps, enhancing the presentation of your dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:

• 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 the Slow Cooker

Grease the container of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

Add the following sauce ingredients into the prepared slow cooker:
Honey
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Mirin
Powdered ginger
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Sesame oil

Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined. Remember not to add the cornstarch and water mixture at this step!

Step 3: Add the Chicken

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

Step 4: Cook

Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a medium serving dish. Do not discard the remaining sauce.

Step 6: Strain the Sauce

Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan. Pour the remaining sauce through the strainer into the saucepan.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with cool water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the strained sauce. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Boil and Thicken

Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 9: Combine Chicken and Sauce

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

Step 10: Serve

Serve your flavorful Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite Asian salad! Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want a comforting meal or something fresh and vibrant, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice provides a perfect base to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use romaine or butter lettuce for a refreshing, low-carb option that pairs well with the chicken’s flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds color and crunch to your meal, balancing the savory chicken.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Quinoa is a great alternative to rice, offering a nutty flavor and extra protein while complementing the teriyaki sauce.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Shred the chicken further and serve it on sliders or crusty rolls with pickled vegetables for a unique twist.

With Noodles

• Toss the shredded chicken with noodle dishes like soba or ramen for an Asian-inspired feast.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic can enhance flavor compared to dried versions.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference.

• Marinate Optional: For deeper flavor, marinating the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking can make a difference.

• Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch until desired consistency is reached.

• Add Spice: Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat in your meals.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: This classic dish complements teriyaki flavors beautifully. Use leftover rice for easy preparation.

2. Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame dressing provides freshness and texture.

3. Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli adds a healthy touch and pairs well with chicken.

4. Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables as an appetizer or side dish for added crunch.

5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm chicken dish, enhancing overall flavors.

6. Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as an excellent starter that complements Asian-themed meals perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make small errors when preparing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing your slow cooker can lead to sticking. Always grease the container for easy cleanup and perfect chicken removal.
• Forgetting to Mix All Ingredients: If you don’t whisk the sauce ingredients together well, flavors won’t blend properly. Make sure everything is combined before adding the chicken.
• Adding Cornstarch Too Early: Adding cornstarch too soon can prevent it from thickening properly. Only mix it with water after cooking the chicken and straining the sauce.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can result in dry meat. Always check that it’s easily shred with a fork before removing it from the slow cooker.
• Not Saving Enough Sauce: If you don’t reserve some sauce, your meal may lack flavor when served. Always set aside half of the sauce for drizzling later.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

How do I make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken more flavorful?

You can add extra spices or marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking to enhance flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low.

What side dishes pair well with Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Serve it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.

How do I know when my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is done?

The chicken should shred easily with a fork when fully cooked.

Can I adjust the sweetness of my teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! You can reduce honey or add more soy sauce for less sweetness based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that fits perfectly into any busy schedule. It’s not just about convenience; it’s packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or sides. Don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy this comforting meal!