Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

It was a busy weeknight, and I found myself longing for a comforting meal that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. After a long day, the allure of a meal that cooks itself was hard to resist. That’s when I decided to whip up some Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. The aroma filled my home, making my mouth water in anticipation. It was the kind of dish that brought the family together around the dinner table, with each colorful ingredient saying, “Welcome home!”

What is Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of teriyaki sauce with tender cooked chicken, all done conveniently in a slow cooker. The essence of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to let the crockpot work its magic while you focus on other tasks. It involves basic ingredients like chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, and fresh vegetables, which meld together over several hours. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish that is perfect served over rice or noodles. This recipe showcases how easy it can be to create something that tastes spectacular without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken:

There are several compelling reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

• Quick and Simple to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it.
• Family-Friendly Meal: Everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit for both kids and adults.
• Great for Beginners: Simple ingredients and instructions mean that cooking success is guaranteed.
• Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers, and makes for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, you will need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-covered.
4. Add the chopped vegetables on top of the chicken.
5. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, shred the chicken if desired and serve it over cooked rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

Pro Tips and Variations:

To enhance your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken experience, consider these pro tips and variations:

• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference.
• Alternative Proteins: Swap out chicken for tofu or pork for different flavor profiles.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last half-hour of cooking to let it reduce.
• Serving Style: Serve in lettuce wraps for a fun and healthy twist.

How to Serve Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

There are several enjoyable ways to serve Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken:

• Over Rice or Noodles: The classic, of course, is to serve it over a fluffy bed of rice or a tangle of noodles for a hearty meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, scoop the chicken and vegetables into lettuce leaves for a fresh bite.
• With a Side of Fresh Salad: Brighten up the dish with a simple side salad that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki.
• As Meal Prep: Pack the chicken with rice or noodles in containers for lunches throughout the week.

How to Store Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Storing leftovers from your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is easy and efficient. Place the cooled chicken and vegetables in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it for longer, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to three months. When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.

Nutrition Information

While the specific nutritional content may vary, a typical serving of Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken provides a good balance of protein and vegetables. You can expect around:

• Calories: 250-300 calories per serving (without rice)
• Protein: Approximately 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: About 15-20 grams
• Fat: Roughly 5-10 grams

This dish is generally low in fat while being packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.

FAQs about Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, cooking time may need to be extended by an hour or so to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
   Yes, you can simmer the chicken in a pot with the sauce for about 30-40 minutes on medium heat until fully cooked.

4. What can I do with leftovers?
   Leftovers can be turned into stir-fries, used in wraps, or added to salads for a different meal experience.

Conclusion

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make, and comforting dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a weeknight meal that feels both special and satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience; the joy of cooking and enjoying delicious food is what it’s all about! Whether you’re serving it to family or making it for meal prep, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

A simple and flavorful dish where chicken breasts cook in a savory teriyaki sauce along with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Calories: 275

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli)

For Serving

• Cooked rice or noodles For serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-covered.
4. Add the chopped vegetables on top of the chicken.

Cooking

1. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
2. Once the cooking time is complete, shred the chicken if desired and serve it over cooked rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

Notes

For variations, consider adding extra vegetables, using alternative proteins, or adjusting the sauce thickness. Leftovers can be used in stir-fries or salads.