Effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Set It and Forget It
Effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: Your Weeknight Hero
Fancy some Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken tonight? Me too! Honestly, sometimes you just need that sweet and savoury hit, right? This recipe is proper easy, and the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken practically cooks itself.
It tastes way better than takeaway, and you know exactly what's in it.
Teriyaki Chicken, The Easy Way
Teriyaki sauce, traditionally from Japan, has become a global favourite. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a nod to those flavors, made super simple.
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and then the slow cooker does the rest. This recipe yields 6 servings.
Perfect for a family meal, or delicious meal prep for the week ahead!
Why You'll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
One of the best bits? It's packed with protein! Plus, it's a brilliant way to get a tasty and healthy meal on the table with minimal fuss.
This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you just can't be bothered. What makes this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken so special? It's the melt-in-your mouth chicken and the flavour packed sauce, obviously.
Grab These Bits
Right, let’s get started! You’ll need chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and a few other bits. Don't worry, most of it is stuff you probably already have knocking about in the cupboard.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!
So, you wanna make some banging Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken ? Brilliant choice! It is so easy, it is almost criminal.
First, gather your bits. It's like getting your band together before a gig. Let's see what we need. This is going to be epic .
Main Ingredients: The Superstars
- 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into 1 inch pieces. Trust me, thighs are the way to go. Breasts can dry out. Nobody wants that.
- 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) low-sodium soy sauce. Go easy on the salt! Your kidneys will thank you.
- 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) honey. Any honey will do. But local honey is always better.
- 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) packed brown sugar. Dark or light, doesn't matter. I’ve even used muscovado once.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Adds a bit of tang, you know?
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil. This stuff is strong! Don’t overdo it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This will thicken things up nicely.
- 2 tablespoons cold water. For mixing with the cornstarch. Obvs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Because garlic makes everything better. Fact.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Or use fresh, if you are feeling fancy.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish. Makes it look all posh.
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced, for garnish. Colour and flavour!
For the chicken, quality is key. Fresh is best. But frozen works too. Just make sure they are fully thawed.
I use thighs for my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken . Honestly, it is more forgiving than chicken breast. It stays juicy.
I am a messy cook, so they are easier for me.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor City!
Soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic. This is the core. The flavour enhancer? Sesame oil, definitely! It is what makes it taste Asian.
For a quick sub? Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you are gluten-free. Fish sauce is a shout if you wanna add more umami.
Do not tell the vegan police!
Equipment Needed: The Band
- A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Or crock pot . Whatever you call it. It must be big enough.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key, my friend.
- Small bowl. For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk. Get rid of those pesky lumps!
- Knife and cutting board. Keep those knives sharp.
If you do not have measuring cups? Use a mug! It will not be exact, but close enough for Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken .
You do not need a fancy whisk. A fork will do in a pinch. Just get the cornstarch mixed in.
You know Easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken is the objective!
Effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: Set It and Forget It!
Honestly, sometimes you just need a win in the kitchen, you know? This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is that win.
It is simple, tasty and what is more important: easy! We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor. Forget complicated recipes, and say hello to a weeknight savior.
Seriously, even my mate Dave, who can barely boil an egg, nails this one.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let’s get organized. This is the essential mise en place . Chop your 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite sized pieces.
Get all your sauce ingredients ready, too. You will need 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce , 1/4 cup honey , 1/4 cup brown sugar , 2 tablespoons rice vinegar , 1 tablespoon sesame oil , 2 cloves minced garlic , 1 teaspoon ground ginger , and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is almost there.
Safety check: Wash your hands and cutting board after handling raw chicken. Nobody wants a tummy ache!
step-by-step: Crock Pot Magic
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in your Crock Pot .
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker , making sure it's swimming in that glorious sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours . You're looking for the chicken to be cooked through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Time to get that sauce thickened.
- Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
- Pour that slurry into the Crock Pot .
- Cook on high for another 15- 30 minutes , until the sauce is lovely and thick.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Status
Want to take your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken to the next level? Try toasting the sesame seeds for a nutty flavour.
A big mistake is overcooking the chicken, so keep an eye on it towards the end. You can even prep this in the morning and let it cook all day.
Think of the yummy smells wafting through the house! Now that's some serious Teriyaki Chicken meal prep .
I reckon you'll love this easy Dump and start teriyaki chicken recipe, it's a real crowd pleaser. Plus, it's way better than takeout, innit? Now, go on, give it a bash! You know you want to.
Recipe Notes for Effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Want to make the best Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken ever? Let's dive into some tips. It's so easy, even I can't mess it up!
Serving Suggestions for Your Teriyaki Masterpiece
Thinking about plating? Serve your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over fluffy rice. Maybe some quinoa if you are feeling fancy.
Add stir fried veggies for a complete meal. Broccoli is my go-to! For a lighter option, try lettuce wraps. Oh my gosh, so good! I've even seen people use Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot in bao buns total game changer! A crisp, cold beer or iced green tea makes a fab drink pairing.
Don't forget the Kewpie mayo!
Top-Secret Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
To reheat, microwave it until piping hot. About 165° F ( 74° C) , just to be safe. You can also freeze it.
Just pop it into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as you can, and it's good for up to 2 months .
Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Variations: Remix Your Teriyaki!
Feeling adventurous? Try Pineapple Teriyaki by adding drained, crushed pineapple. Seriously, it is amazing! Or, for some extra heat, stir in a tablespoon of sriracha to create Spicy Teriyaki .
Watch out though, it's spicy! For a lower sodium version, use coconut aminos. These are a real lifesaver! Maple syrup works great instead of honey.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside and Out
Each serving of Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken has about 350 calories. You'll get 35g of protein and 15g of fat. There are also 20g of carbs.
Sodium is around 500mg but depends on your soy sauce, Teriyaki chicken meal prep saves you time and is a healthy way.
This is packed with protein and it is pretty good for you, especially if you control the sodium.
So, there you have it! All the insider secrets to making amazing Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken . Don't be shy to adjust things to your taste.
The Dump and start teriyaki chicken is easy! Have fun and enjoy every bite!. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe?
While chicken thighs are recommended because they stay moist and tender in the slow cooker, you can use chicken breasts. Just be sure to watch them closely and reduce the cooking time, especially on high, as they can dry out.
I recommend checking after 2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low, and maybe even adding a splash of chicken broth to keep things saucy!
How do I prevent my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken sauce from being too watery?
A watery sauce is a common slow cooker woe! Make sure you’re not adding any extra liquid beyond what's in the recipe. Thicken the sauce as instructed with the cornstarch slurry at the end of the cooking time.
If it's still too thin, you can remove the lid and let it cook for longer on high, allowing some of the excess liquid to evaporate.
Is there a way to make this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken healthier?
Absolutely! To reduce the sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar, or even substitute with a sugar-free alternative. Serving it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of white rice is another great way to cut carbs and calories.
Think of it as your healthy "fakeaway" - all the flavour, less of the guilt!
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze the Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully! Allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, giving it a good stir now and then.
My sauce tastes a bit too salty, what can I do to fix my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
Oops, a salty sauce can happen, especially if you're not using low-sodium soy sauce! Try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. A little bit of extra honey or brown sugar can also help to counteract the saltiness.
As a last resort, you could add a diced potato to the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking; it will absorb some of the salt.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This teriyaki chicken is super versatile! It's fantastic served over rice or noodles, accompanied by steamed or stir fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. For a lighter option, try it in lettuce wraps with some shredded carrots and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
A simple cucumber salad or some edamame would also be lovely additions to your meal.
Effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Set It And
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
