Preparing a meal in the slow cooker has always been a comfortable routine in my kitchen, especially on busy weekdays. Nothing beats coming home after a long day to the aroma of Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot filling the air. It’s an easy-to-prepare recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal for the whole family. The blend of sweet and savory in teriyaki sauce combined with tender chicken thighs creates such an inviting dish that it quickly becomes a favorite. If you haven’t tried making it yet, you’re in for a treat!
What is Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Traditionally, teriyaki sauce consists of soy sauce, sugar, and various spices, giving it that distinctive taste. Using a crock pot, or slow cooker, allows the chicken to marinate in the sauce as it cooks low and slow, enhancing the flavor and ensuring that the meat remains moist and juicy. The process is simple: toss the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget about it until mealtime. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot:
There are plenty of reasons to love this dish, and here are just a few:
- Quick and simple to prepare: Just mix your ingredients in the crock pot.
- Family-friendly meal: This recipe is highly appealing to both kids and adults.
- Great for beginners: If you’re new to cooking, you won’t find an easier recipe.
- Meal prep friendly: Perfect for making in batches to enjoy throughout the week.
- Versatile: Can be served with various sides like rice, noodles, or salads.
Making Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot means less stress for you and more time to relax. Enjoy the delicious end result, knowing you took just a few minutes to prepare it!
Ingredients
To create this easy and delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
This combination of ingredients ensures a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that the entire family will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
Preparing Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot is as easy as pie. Follow these steps to create a delectable meal:
- In a large crock pot, combine the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken thighs to the sauce. Ensure that the thighs are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer the chicken cooks, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the pot for a pop of color and nutrition.
- If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then add it to the crock pot. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken up.
- Serve the Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy the fragrant and delicious flavors!
This simple recipe ensures that anyone can create a dish worthy of a dinner party or a family meal with minimal preparation.
Pro Tips and Variations:
Here are some tips to make your Teriyaki Chicken even better and variations to keep it exciting:
- Meat Options: While chicken thighs work great, you can substitute with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added flavor and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Flavor Boosting: Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking can intensify the flavors.
- Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Consider preparing double the batch to have leftovers ready to go.
These pro tips will elevate your dish and encourage you to experiment with flavors to suit your palate.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
Serving your Teriyaki Chicken creatively can enhance the meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Noodles: Toss it with noodles for an easy stir-fry feel.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a light option, serve on top of salad greens or curly kale.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed bok choy or asparagus for a colorful plate.
- As Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in butter lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal.
Feel free to mix and match sides to find your favorite combinations!
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
To store any leftover Teriyaki Chicken, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Proper storage helps retain the flavor and moisture of your dish for future meals.
Nutrition Information (Optional but Recommended)
While exact nutrition facts may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients, here’s a general overview:
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 22g
This information can help you gauge the meal’s nutritional value and make informed decisions if you’re watching calorie intake.
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
1. **Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?**
Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly to the crock pot. Just be sure to cook it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of standard soy sauce.What if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute, though it may change the flavor slightly.Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can use the sauté function to mix everything, then pressure cook for around 10-15 minutes before releasing the pressure.
These FAQs address common concerns and provide additional insights for anyone looking to try this dish.
Conclusion
Trying out Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot is a delightful way to indulge in comforting flavors with minimal effort. With families constantly on the go, this recipe is convenient while delivering a fantastic taste that everyone will enjoy. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and share your experiences. Whether you choose to serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, you’re bound to love how simple and satisfying it is. Happy cooking!
Teriyaki Chicken in a Crock Pot
Ingredients
Method
- In a large crock pot, combine the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken thighs to the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then add to the pot for a thicker sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the Teriyaki Chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.