Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that brings Asian flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is a savory and sweet teriyaki chicken that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Spend only 5 minutes getting everything ready before letting your slow cooker do the work.
- Flavorful Dish: Enjoy a rich blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices that create a mouthwatering teriyaki flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair this chicken with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves 8 people, making it ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using a slow cooker means fewer pots and pans to wash after cooking!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken effectively, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4-quart saucepan
- Medium serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of this recipe; it ensures even cooking while you focus on other tasks.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps create a silky sauce by removing any solid bits from the liquid.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup mirin
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger (or minced ginger)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or minced garlic)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (or ½ cup finely diced onion)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
How to Make Slow Cooker 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 sauce ingredients in the order listed into the prepared container of a slow cooker.
- Whisk to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Do not add the cornstarch and water mixture yet.
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Turn the chicken to coat it fully with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- If possible, turn the chicken once halfway through cooking for even flavor absorption.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it into a medium serving dish.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken and cover it to keep warm.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan.
- Carefully pour the remaining sauce through the strainer into the saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then add it to the sauce.
Step 7: Thicken Sauce
- Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook while stirring constantly until thickened.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
- Mix half of the thickened sauce into shredded chicken.
- Save half of the sauce for serving alongside.
- Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or your favorite Asian salad!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Rice
- White Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor.
- Fried Rice: For added texture and taste, mix in vegetables and eggs.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Veggies: Quick sauté mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for color and crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing side with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with shredded chicken.
- Tortilla Wraps: Fill flour or corn tortillas with chicken and top with veggies for a tasty meal on-the-go.
On Noodles
- Udon Noodles: Serve the teriyaki chicken over thick udon noodles for a satisfying dish.
- Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for a more vibrant taste.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water before boiling.
- Don’t Skip the Strain: Straining the sauce helps remove any solids, resulting in a smooth finish that’s perfect for drizzling over the chicken.
- Flavor Boost: Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish freezes well. Prepare extra portions to enjoy later!
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:
- Fried Rice: A delicious mix of rice, vegetables, and soy sauce that enhances the Asian flavors of your chicken.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat add crunch and balance to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil offers a refreshing contrast.
- Asian Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with edamame, carrots, and a sesame dressing provides protein-packed nutrition.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes a comforting starter or side dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted sprouts seasoned simply let the teriyaki flavors shine through without overpowering them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a simple dish, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to sticking. Always grease your slow cooker before adding ingredients.
- Adding cornstarch too early: If you add the cornstarch mixture at the beginning, it won’t thicken properly. Wait until the sauce is ready to thicken.
- Not using enough sauce: Insufficient sauce can result in dry chicken. Make sure to use the full amount of sauce for optimal flavor and moisture.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can overcook the chicken. Stick to the recommended times for tender results.
- Forgetting to shred properly: Shredding the chicken helps it absorb the sauce better. Take your time to shred it well for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or containers.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until hot (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a little water if needed, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
You can use bone-in chicken, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces may require longer cooking.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or side dishes. This recipe offers comfort and satisfaction on busy weeknights, making it a must-try!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you crave delicious Asian flavors without the hassle. With just five minutes of prep, this recipe lets your slow cooker work its magic to create tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich teriyaki sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This crowd-pleaser serves eight, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Pair it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Low – 6 hours / High – 3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
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
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken breasts and coat with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
- Shred the chicken and mix half with the thickened sauce; reserve the rest for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 ounces of chicken with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
