Craving a delicious, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your answer. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a family favorite.
What is Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish with incredible ease. By using a slow cooker, you allow the chicken to simmer in a flavorful teriyaki sauce for hours, resulting in unbelievably tender and juicy meat. The long cooking time allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the chicken, creating a rich and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
It typically involves marinating chicken thighs or breasts in a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce and then slow cooking it until it’s fall-apart tender. The result is a versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. Ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked teriyaki chicken? Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay moist and flavorful during slow cooking better than chicken breasts.
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred): Forms the base of the teriyaki sauce, providing umami and saltiness.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Honey: Enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle floral note.
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that classic savory teriyaki taste.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and depth of flavor. You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Green Onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant element to the finished dish.
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Enhances the nutty flavor and adds visual appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps! The best part is that the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other things. Just combine the ingredients, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in less than 5 hours (including prep time). What makes this recipe stand out is the rich and flavorful teriyaki sauce, which perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce.
- Cook Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat it evenly in the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish: Serve the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Enjoy! Serve it hot and enjoy your delicious and effortlessly made Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your household for many reasons! The standout feature is the incredible flavor – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, ensuring every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Making this dish at home is also significantly more cost-effective than ordering takeout teriyaki chicken, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. Finally, the combination of tender chicken and flavorful sauce, elevated by a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, adds a delightful textural and visual appeal. The green onions offer a fresh, sharp bite, while sesame seeds provide a subtle nuttiness.
If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, you might also enjoy a recipe like Honey Garlic Chicken. However, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken offers the added convenience of slow cooking. Ready to simplify your dinner routine and delight your taste buds? Try this recipe today!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken With:
To create a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with:
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to rice for a lighter meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas provide a healthy and colorful side dish.
- Asian Noodles: Udon or soba noodles tossed in a light sesame sauce complement the chicken perfectly.
- Edamame: Steamed or lightly salted edamame pods make a great appetizer or snack.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad to balance out the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add a crispy and savory element to your meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay moist and tender, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out. If you prefer chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time significantly.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the teriyaki sauce mixture before cooking and adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey according to your preference.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt later, but it’s harder to take away.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the chicken dry or tough. Watch the cooking time and check for doneness periodically.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.
- Stir Occasionally While Thickening: When thickening the sauce, stir occasionally to ensure it thickens evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional): For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Using fresh ginger and garlic instead of ground spices will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
- Origin: Teriyaki cooking originated in Japan, combining “teri” (luster) and “yaki” (grilling or broiling). American versions often adapt it for simmering or slow cooking.
- Flavor Profile: The classic teriyaki flavor balances sweet, savory, and umami elements, making it universally appealing.
- Versatility: Teriyaki sauce can be used on a wide variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, salmon, and tofu.
- Healthy Option: Making teriyaki chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients, reducing sodium and sugar compared to takeout versions.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well and can be reheated easily.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag. Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Refrigerated Chicken: Reheat the chicken in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Frozen Chicken: Thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated chicken. You can also reheat it directly from frozen in a microwave-safe dish, but it may take longer.
- Add a Splash of Water: If the chicken and sauce seem dry during reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate it.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal. The slow cooker method guarantees tender, flavorful chicken every time while simplifying your cooking routine. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or simply looking for a fuss-free dinner option, this recipe is a winner.
Enjoy the amazing flavors and effortless preparation of this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, and let it become a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness frequently.
Q: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A: While homemade teriyaki sauce is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought sauce in a pinch. Just be sure to taste it and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots can be added to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
A: Make sure to use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end of the cooking time. Cook the sauce on high for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Reheat as needed and enjoy!