Craving a delicious and hassle-free meal? This crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is your answer! With tender chicken simmered in a savory teriyaki sauce, it’s a comforting dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the details and create a delightful dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional information is based on a serving size of one quarter of the total recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Pair with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Enjoy your delicious crockpot teriyaki chicken!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content. For a vegan option, replace chicken with tofu and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it with a side of edamame or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness; follow the recommended cooking times.
- Using too much sauce can overpower the dish; follow the ingredient measurements.
- Not shredding the chicken can result in uneven flavor distribution.
- Skipping the garnishes can lessen the dish’s appeal.
- Not allowing the chicken to sit in the sauce after cooking can lead to blandness.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference.
- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the crockpot for added nutrition.
- For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and are less fatty, leading to a drier texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas enhances nutrition and flavor. Just add them in the last hour of cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken after cooking, then mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce while cooking on high for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just pour them into the crockpot in the morning and set to cook.
Conclusion
This crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that will impress your family. Perfect for busy days, it allows you to set it and forget it, resulting in a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy the deliciousness and make it a staple in your weekly rotation!
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Pair with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Enjoy your delicious crockpot teriyaki chicken!
