Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Savor Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, a sweet-savory dish with tender chicken in a rich teriyaki glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless, Asian-inspired meal delivers bold flavors with minimal prep, ideal for family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a weeknight game-changer, delivering juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. The slow cooker makes it incredibly simple, requiring just a few minutes of prep for a meal that tastes like takeout but is healthier and budget-friendly. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is versatile, allowing you to tweak the sauce or add veggies to suit your taste. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love, with minimal cleanup to boot.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear for Flavor: Brown the chicken briefly before slow cooking to enhance depth and texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: Simmer sauce on the stovetop or use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking; reduce honey if you prefer less sweetness.
- Add Veggies Late: Stir in delicate veggies like broccoli in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger boosts flavor; ground ginger works but is less vibrant.
- Check Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety and perfect tenderness.
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, a sweet-savory dish with tender chicken in a rich glaze, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra green onions
- Optional: 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season lightly with black pepper for flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: In a skillet, sear thighs over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and broth.
- Grease the Crockpot: Lightly oil a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ready for the sauce.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until tender.
- Thicken if Needed: If sauce is thin, simmer in a saucepan for 5 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Shred or Slice: Optionally shred chicken or keep whole; toss in sauce to coat.
- Serve with Flair: Plate over rice, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy this delicious dish!
Notes
- Searing chicken is optional but adds richer flavor; raw chicken cooks well in the crockpot.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 15 minutes.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
- Leftovers are great in wraps, salads, or bowls for quick meals.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy; breasts work but may dry out slightly.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances saltiness; tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
- Honey: Raw honey adds natural sweetness; maple syrup can substitute for a different flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides bold aroma; garlic powder is a quick option.
- Ginger: Fresh grated ginger adds zesty warmth; ground ginger is less potent but usable.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy balance; apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.
- Sesame Oil: Enhances nutty, Asian-inspired flavor; a little goes a long way.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a mild, fresh finish; chives can substitute.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version, adjusting cook time.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce honey or use a sugar-free sweetener for a lighter option.
- Citrus Boost: Add orange juice or zest for a bright, tangy variation.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt levels.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave to keep chicken moist.
- Meal Prep: Portion with rice or veggies for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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