If you’re looking for a hassle-free meal that bursts with flavor, then this easy crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe is just what you need. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the hard work while you focus on other things. In about four hours on high or six hours on low, you’ll have tender chicken infused with savory teriyaki sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe not only saves time but also delivers satisfying results every time. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. With its mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks, this easy crock pot teriyaki chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive deeper into why you’ll love making this delightful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

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Ingredients for Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; peel and finely grate before using
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
• Honey: Natural sweetness from honey balances out the savory elements beautifully

For the Sauce:

• Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to the sauce; choose unseasoned rice vinegar for best results
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end; mix with water to create a slurry before adding

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. This allows them to soak up all that delicious sauce as they cook.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk until well blended. This mixture will serve as your savory marinade.

Step 3: Pour Over Chicken

Once mixed, pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crock pot. Be sure each piece of chicken is covered for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on high for about four hours or low for six hours. During cooking time, resist lifting the lid too often to maintain even heat distribution.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

About thirty minutes before serving time, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken your sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked through and tender, carefully transfer the chicken onto plates. Drizzle extra sauce over each portion for an added burst of flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. This enhances flavor and saves time during busy weekdays.
• Storing: Store leftover Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Suggestions for Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Selecting the right cut of chicken is crucial for your Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy during long cooking times. While chicken breasts can work, they often dry out, resulting in a less enjoyable dish. Avoid using frozen chicken, as it may not cook evenly and could lead to food safety issues. Always thaw your chicken before placing it in the crock pot. This will ensure that the flavors from your teriyaki sauce penetrate the meat fully, giving you a delicious result.

Overcooking the Chicken

One common mistake when making Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is overcooking the meat. Slow cookers vary in temperature settings, so be cautious about cooking times. Typically, four to six hours on low heat is sufficient for tender chicken. If you leave it on too long, the meat can become tough and stringy. To avoid this mistake, check for doneness about 30 minutes before you think it’s ready. A reliable food thermometer can help; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety while keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.

Skipping Marinade Time

While slow cooking enhances flavors, skipping marinade time can lead to bland results. Marinating your chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking allows the flavors to meld and permeate the meat. If time permits, consider marinating overnight in the refrigerator for even better flavor absorption. Always remember to reserve some marinade to use as a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking or serve on the side for added taste. This simple step can elevate your Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken tremendously.

Not Adding Vegetables

Many people overlook adding vegetables when preparing Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Vegetables add not only nutrition but also texture and flavor to your dish. Consider including bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli, which pair well with teriyaki sauce. Adding them to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking helps maintain their crispness while absorbing some of that delicious sauce flavor. Avoid overloading your crock pot with too many veggies; balance is key! This addition will enhance your meal and make it more satisfying.

FAQs

What can I serve with Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Pairing sides with your Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken adds variety and satisfaction to your meal. Steamed rice is a classic choice; it absorbs all those tasty juices beautifully. You could also serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. For a fresh crunch, consider a side salad or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy that complement Asian flavors well. Feel free to get creative! The goal is to balance flavors and textures while ensuring you enjoy every bite.

Can I freeze leftovers of Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes! Freezing leftovers is an excellent way to enjoy your Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken later without sacrificing taste or quality. Make sure to cool down any leftovers completely before transferring them into airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly stored in the freezer, they can last up to three months without losing flavor or texture significantly. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

How do I adjust this recipe for more servings?

Adjusting your Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe for more servings is simple! The key lies in scaling up both ingredients and cooking time appropriately. Start by doubling or tripling the amount of chicken according to how many extra servings you need while maintaining proportionate amounts of teriyaki sauce and any added vegetables. Keep an eye on cooking time; larger quantities may need an additional hour or so on low heat but always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version of Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh as they absorb flavors beautifully when marinated properly in teriyaki sauce. You may want to pre-cook them briefly before adding them into the crock pot if you prefer a firmer texture rather than soft tofu. You can still include vegetables like bell peppers and carrots alongside these proteins while following similar timing guidelines as mentioned previously for optimal results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be both simple and rewarding if you follow some essential tips along the way. Choosing the right cut of chicken ensures juiciness while avoiding overcooking keeps it tender and flavorful. Don’t skip marinating time; it amplifies taste significantly! Additionally, incorporating vegetables not only enhances nutrition but also makes your meal visually appealing and satisfying.

By keeping these suggestions in mind and addressing common pitfalls, you’ll elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary every time you make it! Enjoy creating delightful meals that will impress family and friends alike while savoring every bite of this delectable easy recipe.

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Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 45 minute
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

If you’re in search of a straightforward yet delicious meal, Easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. This recipe requires minimal prep—simply place the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll enjoy tender chicken coated in a savory teriyaki sauce that complements rice or noodles beautifully. Ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs. Plus, the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
5. Optional: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve chicken with extra sauce drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in teriyaki sauce before cooking.