If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, simple meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve come to the right place! The Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, easily satisfying the whole family with its rich flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a homemade feast that fills your home with amazing aromas.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is beloved for many reasons! It’s not just about the convenience of using a slow cooker; it’s also about the vibrant flavors that come together with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce beautifully. Plus, you can customize the sweetness to your taste by choosing between honey or brown sugar. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings a taste of the Asian-inspired kitchen to your table with every bite.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
To make the best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients that are easy to find:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer darker meat)
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Directions
Making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is surprisingly simple! Here’s how to prepare this mouth-watering dish:
- Prepare the sauce: Start by whisking together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Aim for a smooth consistency that combines all of the flavors beautifully.
- Add chicken to the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can choose whichever you prefer based on your taste.
- Pour the sauce: Carefully pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Ensure that the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated, which will help them take on flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high and cook for about 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when done.
- Optional: Thicken the sauce: If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the chicken pieces and set them aside once they are cooked. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Shred the chicken (optional): For an extra twist, you can shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up even more of the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
- Serve: Serve your slow cooker teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice, whether white or brown. Remember to garnish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, you have several options to make the meal even more enjoyable. Start by placing a generous scoop of fluffy rice on each plate, then add a portion of the beautifully cooked teriyaki chicken on top. The sauce will not only add flavor but also provide a lovely sheen to the dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of color and crunch.
For sides, consider simple steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas would pair excellently, adding freshness to your plate. If you’re in the mood for a salad, a light Asian-style cucumber salad or a simple mixed greens salad drizzled with sesame dressing can complement your meal beautifully.
Should you be serving guests, be sure to keep extra sauces on the side, as many people love drizzling additional teriyaki sauce over their portions. This dish is both visually appealing and delicious, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Here are some expert tips to take your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken to the next level:
- Choose your meat wisely: Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain tender even after hours of cooking. If you prefer a leaner option, go with chicken breasts, but ensure they are not overcooked to maintain moisture.
- Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste buds, you might want to adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Start with half the amount of honey or brown sugar, and add more as needed.
- Sear for flavor (optional): For an extra depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the surface, adding a delicious crust.
- Make it a meal prep star: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Just divide the cooked chicken and sauce into meal containers with rice or veggies for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Frozen chicken works too: If you’re short on time, you can place frozen chicken straight into the slow cooker. Just increase cooking time by 1-2 hours.
How to Store Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! Storing your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label containers with the date for easy reference.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the chicken. It will maintain quality for up to three months when frozen in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
One of the best features of this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Add vegetables: Toss in some vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or even pineapples into the slow cooker alongside the chicken. They will cook beautifully in the sauce and add extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy twist: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to your teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free options: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative. It’s equally flavorful and still provides that satisfying umami flavor.
- Orange teriyaki flavor: For a refreshing twist, incorporate fresh orange juice and zest into the sauce, replacing some of the honey or brown sugar. This adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Rice alternatives: For a healthier approach, serve your teriyaki chicken over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
FAQ
What is the best meat to use for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are more flavorful and stay juicy, while breasts are leaner if you’re watching your calorie intake.
How can I thicken the sauce for my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
To thicken the teriyaki sauce, create a slurry using cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this into the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for a thick consistency.
Can I use frozen chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding about 1-2 hours for frozen breast or thighs.
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to label with the date to keep track.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, vegetables, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad for a light and balanced meal.