Name: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons Imperial Sugar Light Brown Sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Cooked white rice to serve; Optional Garnishes: sesame seeds and/or sliced green onions

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Table of Contents: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Remember those busy weeknights when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen? Or maybe you’re hosting a family gathering and need a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that won’t tie you up all day? This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the answer! It’s a flavorful, tender, and incredibly simple way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired meal without the fuss.

Forget complicated marinades and constant stirring – your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy life.

Introduction: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a home-cooked meal, especially one that fills the house with a sweet and savory aroma. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is exactly that – a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a recipe I’ve been perfecting for years, born out of a need for quick, easy, and delicious dinners that my family would actually ask for. And trust me, they do! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

You simply combine a few key ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.

This isn’t just another easy dinner option; it’s a versatile one. Perfect for a casual weeknight, a potluck with friends, or even a relaxed holiday meal, this teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Asian chicken flavors to your family, even if they’re hesitant to try new things.

The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully, and the teriyaki sauce becomes rich and deeply flavorful. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! We all appreciate that, right?

This recipe is a lifesaver when life gets hectic, and it consistently delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create something truly special.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe referred to as Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, or simply Teriyaki Chicken made in a slow cooker. Variations abound too! Some people like to add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for extra sweetness and tang. Others enjoy incorporating vegetables like broccoli florets or bell peppers directly into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can be added to the sauce. This teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Ingredients: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish:

* 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay more tender in the slow cooker)
* 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (essential for that classic teriyaki flavor)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is best for maximum aroma)

* 2 teaspoons ginger, minced (adds a warm, spicy note)
* 3 tablespoons Imperial Sugar Light Brown Sugar (provides sweetness and helps with caramelization)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (balances the sweetness with acidity)

* 2 teaspoons sesame oil (adds a nutty, fragrant flavor)
* 1/4 cup water (helps to create the sauce consistency)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce at the end)

* Cooked white rice, to serve (a perfect base for soaking up the delicious sauce)
Optional Garnishes:* sesame seeds and/or sliced green onions (for added flavor and visual appeal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Chef’s Tip: Don’t skimp on the quality of your soy sauce – it makes a big difference in the final flavor!

2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Add Water: Pour the 1/4 cup of water into the slow cooker. This helps to prevent the sauce from sticking and ensures the chicken stays moist.

5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Chef’s Tip: Cooking on low for a longer period generally results in more tender chicken.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This usually takes just a minute or two.
7. Combine & Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over it, tossing to coat. Serve immediately over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and/or sliced green onions, if desired.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is ready in a snap! Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, cook time on low is 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours on high), making the total time around 6-8.5 hours. It yields about 4 servings. Approximate calories per serving are around 350-400 (depending on the cut of chicken and amount of rice used). This is a fantastic easy dinner solution for busy families.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe works because the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeply savory and slightly sweet sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger is a classic for a reason – it’s simply delicious!

Using a slow cooker also eliminates the need for constant monitoring, making it ideal for those times when you need easy comfort food for family dinners without spending all day in the kitchen.

For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before adding it to the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. And don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your own taste preferences!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great option for meal prepping and having a quick lunch or dinner ready to go.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you can either microwave it in a microwave-safe dish or heat it gently in a saucepan on the stovetop. Adding a splash of water or broth can help to keep the chicken moist during reheating. This teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe is perfect for making ahead and enjoying later!

Conclusion: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for incredibly delicious Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken! I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please share your photos and comments below. Happy cooking!