Discover the easy way to prepare a mouth-watering Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki, packed with flavors and perfect for any meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a beloved dish that combines the rich umami flavor of teriyaki sauce with tender, juicy chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in the convenience of using a slow cooker, which makes the process effortless and hands-off while delivering a dish that’s sure to please your family or guests. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or preparing for a gathering, this simple yet flavorful dish is a go-to choice for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore the Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe in detail, covering all aspects from preparation to serving suggestions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to make this dish a success. Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
If you’ve ever struggled with finding a dinner recipe that’s both simple and tasty, Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki will be a game-changer. This dish is easy to prepare, and once the chicken is in the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. No need to worry about constant stirring or overcooking. Here are five reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
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Hands-off cooking – Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can relax and let it cook.
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Full of flavor – The chicken absorbs the sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki sauce, making each bite flavorful.
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Perfect for busy weeknights – You can prepare this dish in the morning and have it ready for dinner without much effort.
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Great for meal prep – The leftovers make an excellent lunch for the next day.
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Versatile – This recipe works well with a variety of sides, making it easy to adapt to different tastes.
In the next section, we’ll talk about how to make this dish step-by-step, including ingredient notes and storage options.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a breeze. The slow cooker does most of the work, and you only need a few ingredients to create this tasty dish. Let’s break it down into simple steps.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a more flavorful option)
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken: Once the sauce is well-mixed, pour it over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is covered.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and whisk in cornstarch to the sauce. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.
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Serve: Return the chicken to the sauce and serve it over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 4-6 hours
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Servings: 4
Ingredient Notes
The key to a successful Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Chicken: Using boneless and skinless chicken breasts makes this recipe easy and low-maintenance, but chicken thighs can provide more flavor.
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Soy Sauce: You can use a low-sodium soy sauce if you’re concerned about sodium intake.
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Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, richer sweetness, but you can substitute it with white sugar if you prefer.
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Honey: Honey gives a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients, but maple syrup is also a great alternative.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the microwave or reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if needed to thin out the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is that it’s versatile. You can easily switch up ingredients or add new twists to make it your own.
Substitutions for Ingredients:
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Chicken: Feel free to swap chicken breasts with thighs for a richer, juicier dish.
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Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
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Honey: Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used in place of honey.
Regional or Cultural Variations:
In Japan, teriyaki sauce is often used with fish like salmon. For a twist, try using salmon fillets in place of chicken for a different take on this dish.
Creative Twists for Adventurous Cooks:
Add a little spice to your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki by including chili flakes or sriracha sauce in the sauce mixture. For an extra kick, serve the chicken with a side of spicy pickled vegetables.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki pairs beautifully with several sides that enhance its sweet and savory flavors. Here are a few ideas:
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Steamed Rice: The classic pairing, as it soaks up the delicious sauce.
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Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, carrots, or a stir-fried vegetable medley are perfect accompaniments.
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Pickled Ginger: The tanginess of pickled ginger complements the richness of the chicken.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool, crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
When comparing Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki to other slow-cooker chicken recipes, such as chicken tikka masala or chicken curry, the main difference lies in the sauce. Teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory with a tangy kick, while other recipes like curry are often spicier and have more complex flavors with the addition of spices like cumin and coriander.
The texture of Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki also differs, with the chicken becoming tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking. On the other hand, other dishes like chicken tikka masala might rely on a richer, creamier sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to serve with crockpot teriyaki chicken?
Pair it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
What happens if you leave chicken in slow cooker too long?
If left too long, the chicken may dry out or become overcooked, but the slow cooker generally keeps the chicken moist for several hours.
How is teriyaki chicken good for you?
Teriyaki chicken is a great source of lean protein, and when prepared with natural ingredients, it can be a healthy choice. The sauce adds flavor without excessive fat.
What part of chicken is used for chicken teriyaki?
Chicken breasts are commonly used for this dish, but chicken thighs can also be a flavorful alternative.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping for lunch throughout the week. Its versatility makes it suitable for any time of day!
Presentation Tips
Present your Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki beautifully by serving it on a white plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Pair it with steamed rice on the side and a garnish of pickled ginger for an extra touch.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.
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