Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

The gentle hum of the Crock Pot, the tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce wafting through the kitchen—there’s something incredibly comforting about making Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. As the day winds down and the sun sets, I find myself drawn to the memories woven into this dish. My children gathering around the table, laughter filling the air as we share stories from our day, and each mouthful of tender chicken drizzled with glossy sauce reminds me of why I love cooking for my family. This easy meal is more than just dinner; it’s nourishment for the soul.

Why Make This Recipe

Embracing the spirit of cozy cooking, here’s why Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken makes for the perfect dish:

• Simple Prep: With just a few minutes of chopping and mixing, you’ll be on your way to a delicious homemade meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a quiet family dinner or festive gatherings, this dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: Native to many pantries, ingredients like chicken, soy sauce, and garlic can easily be swapped for what you have on hand.
• Cozy Flavors: The rich blend of sweet teriyaki sauce and fork-tender chicken encapsulates warmth in every bite.
• Quick Cooking: Thanks to the Crock Pot, you can prepare your meal in advance and let it simmer while you tackle the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delectable Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken for easy shredding—turkey breast also makes a good lower-fat substitute.
• Soy Sauce: This is the base of your teriyaki sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: These sweeteners bring balance to the salty soy sauce. Maple syrup can be a great alternative for a unique twist.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick; note that you can use powdered if needed but fresh is always best.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor—substitute with olive oil if necessary.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce; arrowroot powder can also work if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours, depending on your schedule.

This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick prep but don’t mind the wait, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully during cooking.

How to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Get ready to create a comforting masterpiece! Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. As you mix, inhale the fragrant fusion!

2. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the Crock Pot. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.

3. Set Your Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time frame. As it begins to cook, the aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone closer.

4. Shred the Chicken: When done cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Mix it back into the sauce until everything is well coated.

5. Serve: Heap the delicious teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or fresh veggies and top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Tips and Creative Variations

Why not make this beloved recipe your own? Here are some tips and creative variations to consider:

• Add Veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots into the Crock Pot along with the chicken for a hearty one-pot meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Citrus Twist: Squeeze some fresh lime or orange juice into the mixture for a bright flavor kick.

Serving Ideas

When serving your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, the possibilities are endless! Picture this: the chicken served over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, vibrant steamed broccoli on the side, and a crisp cucumber salad drizzled in a light vinaigrette. Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a fizzy lemon-lime soda, and you’ve got a table ready for laughter and love. This meal is perfect for casual weeknights or when entertaining friends.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store and reheat your Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before popping it into the freezer.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cook Thighs Instead of Breasts: For a richer flavor, you might want to try chicken thighs, which remain juicy and flavorful.
• Double the Batch: Making a larger batch means fewer weeknight cooking sessions—great for meal prep!
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh cilantro or chives can elevate the aesthetics and taste of your dish.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this recipe? Absolutely! It freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep.
• What’s the best substitute for soy sauce? Tamari is a great gluten-free option, while coconut aminos can provide a soy-free alternative.
• Can I use vegetables instead of chicken? Yes! Tofu or tempeh works beautifully with the teriyaki sauce for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s a beautiful blend of flavors and memories that creates a comforting experience around the dinner table. With easy preparation and delightful taste, it’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved family favorite in my home. So, gather your loved ones, share this wholesome meal, and watch as the smiles unfold. Happy cooking!

Contents

• 1 Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

A comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Turkey breast makes a good lower-fat substitute.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar Maple syrup can be a unique alternative.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced is best, powdered can be used if necessary.
• 1 inch fresh ginger, minced Fresh is recommended.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil Can substitute with olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch Arrowroot powder can also work as a gluten-free option.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the Crock Pot, and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the top.

Cooking

1. Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
2. When done cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce until well coated.

Serving

1. Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or fresh veggies, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Consider adding chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a veggie boost. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice can enhance the flavor.