Introduction
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your dinner table. With its tender chicken, sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and minimal prep work, this dish is perfect for busy families looking for a wholesome meal. Simply throw the ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and let it work its magic!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breasts – 2 pounds
Soy sauce – 1 cup
Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
Honey – 1/4 cup
Rice vinegar – 1/4 cup
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated
Sesame seeds – for garnish
Green onions – for garnish
Cooked rice – for serving
Prep Time
The prep time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and preparing the sauce mix. It’s a quick and straightforward process that makes it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat in the crock pot. The total time from start to finish will be approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on your cooking setting. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it a great option for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade teriyaki chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
If desired, once the chicken is cooked, you can thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with a bit of water and stirring it into the sauce, then cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Once thickened, serve the teriyaki chicken over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Substitutions
Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier end result.
Note 2: Adjusting Sweetness
You can adjust the amount of honey to increase or decrease the sweetness of the dish according to your preference.
Note 3: Adding Vegetables
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking allows for the flavors of the teriyaki sauce to meld beautifully with the chicken, resulting in a tender and delicious dish.
Layering Ingredients
Layer ingredients in the crock pot, starting with the chicken at the bottom, then pouring the teriyaki sauce over it to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Monitoring Cook Time
Ensure to monitor the cook time closely to prevent overcooking. Depending on your slow cooker, cooking on low for 4-6 hours usually achieves the best texture.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking, shred the chicken easily with two forks. This technique allows the meat to absorb more sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or with vegetables to create a complete meal that balances the taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It is recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, as frozen chicken can lead to uneven texture and longer cook times.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
You can make a homemade teriyaki sauce or substitute with soy sauce mixed with honey and ginger for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. Just be mindful of their cooking time to ensure they don’t become overcooked.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce or soy sauce alternative.
Conclusion
The Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeks as it cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables, making it a versatile option for family meals.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Salmon
Try using teriyaki sauce with salmon for a quick and healthy meal. Simply grill or bake the salmon and drizzle with the same teriyaki sauce used in the chicken recipe.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a flavorful side dish, whip up a vegetable stir-fry. Use a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, sautéing them in teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
Teriyaki Tofu
Replace chicken with tofu for a plant-based option. Marinate diced tofu in teriyaki sauce and cook until crispy for a hearty vegan meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or quinoa and top with shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds for a complete and nutritious bowl.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Tacos
Use the teriyaki chicken as a filling for tacos. Add slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fusion twist on traditional tacos.
