Effortless Weeknight Teriyaki: Your Slow Cooker Success!

Effortless Weeknight Teriyaki: Your Slow Cooker Success! 🍱🍖✨

Effortless Weeknight Teriyaki: Your Slow Cooker Success! 🍱🍖✨

1. Introduction

Looking for an easy teriyaki chicken recipe that turns dinner into a stress-free experience? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining flavorful ingredients with minimal prep. The beauty of this dump and go chicken recipe is that it requires just a few simple steps, a trusty slow cooker, and a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re craving a savory Asian-inspired dish or a hearty chicken dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, glazed chicken every time, making it one of the best options for effortless weeknight cooking.

2. Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

3. How to Make Delicious Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. You can use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for more flavor and juiciness. No need to cut it up at this stage; it will cook beautifully whole.

Step 2: Mix the Sauces

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the chicken to cook for 4-6 hours until it’s tender and easily shredable. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld, making this one of the easiest dump and go chicken recipes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. To thicken the sauce, stir 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Slice or shred the cooked chicken and spoon it generously with the teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, consider serving over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

4. Storage Tips for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Teriyaki Dish

Pair your delicious crockpot teriyaki chicken with fluffy steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist. Add a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or roasted vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Explore more dinner ideas on our site for even more inspiration.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain moist and flavorful, making them a great alternative for this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari. Be sure to check labels of all ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How long does the cooking process take?

The recipe takes approximately 4-6 hours on low in your slow cooker, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and your appliance’s settings.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely. Store leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

8. Additional Resources and Inspiration

If you’re looking for more amazing slow cooker recipes, check out our slow cooker collection. For more delicious chicken dishes, visit our chicken tag for a variety of flavorful ideas.

9. Conclusion

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep, and juicy tender meat, it’s a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, this easy teriyaki chicken dish will become your go-to recipe for effortless cooking. Give it a try today and enjoy a flavorful, homemade Asian-inspired meal without the fuss!

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A slow cooker filled with tender, glazed teriyaki chicken surrounded by steamed rice and colorful vegetables.

Effortless Weeknight Teriyaki: Your Slow Cooker Success!

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Effortless Weeknight Teriyaki is a quick and flavorful crockpot recipe perfect for busy evenings. Juicy, tender chicken is glazed with a savory teriyaki sauce, requiring minimal prep and providing a delicious Asian-inspired meal that the whole family will love.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. No need to cut it up; leave it whole for cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade. Pour this over the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredable.
  4. Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens into a glaze.
  5. Slice or shred the chicken, spoon with the sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Thicken the sauce until glossy for a more authentic teriyaki texture.
  • Adjust sweetness with more honey or maple syrup as preferred.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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