CROCKPOT TERIYAKI CHICKEN ULTIMATE EASY

Craving that sweet and savory teriyaki flavor but dreading the cleanup? Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, all cooked effortlessly in your crockpot. This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious, fuss-free dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds – I promise you that!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Okay, let’s get real. Weeknights are hectic. Between work, kids, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken recipe comes in as your saving grace. Seriously, dump everything in, set it, and forget it. What could be better than that?

But it’s not just about convenience. This recipe delivers on flavor too! We’re talking perfectly cooked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs levels of deliciousness, without all the work. The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb all that incredible teriyaki sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both incredibly tender and bursting with flavor.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Add some steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1 cup soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium)
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (fresh is best!)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick!)

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken Breast into 1-inch cubes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb more of that delicious teriyaki flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

1. Place the cubed chicken in your crockpot.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring all the chicken is coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I prefer low for a super tender result, but high works in a pinch!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This is key for thickening the sauce!
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well.
3. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken quickly!
4. Stir in sesame oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Amazing Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Want to take your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Use high-quality soy sauce: The quality of your soy sauce will significantly impact the flavor of the teriyaki sauce. I recommend using a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Fresh ginger is key: While ground ginger will work in a pinch, fresh ginger adds a much brighter and more vibrant flavor to the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken Breast can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time, especially if cooking on high.
• Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Add some heat: If you like a little kick, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Broil for extra caramelization: For extra deliciousness, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, for a caramelized finish.
• Meal Prep Master: This Slow Cooker Teriyaki chicken is incredible for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat as needed. Serve with rice and veggies for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Variations on Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) to the crockpot along with the chicken and sauce. The pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor that’s absolutely delicious.
• Vegetable Teriyaki Chicken: Add your favorite vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas all work well.
• Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breast: For a richer, more flavorful dish, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of Chicken Breast. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay moister during slow cooking.
• Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken: Increase the amount of honey and garlic in the sauce for a sweeter and more pungent flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Masterpiece

While serving over rice is a classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try these ideas:

• Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Create a delicious and healthy bowl with quinoa, avocado, edamame, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a light and refreshing meal.
• Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Add the chicken to a bed of mixed greens with your favorite salad toppings and a light vinaigrette.
• Teriyaki Chicken Sliders: Shred the chicken and serve it on slider buns with coleslaw for a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack.

Why This is the Best Asian Chicken Recipe For Busy People

Let’s face it, finding easy weeknight dinners that are also healthy and delicious can be a challenge. That’s why this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is such a winner. It requires minimal effort, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and vegetables into your diet. Think about this meal for Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack or Coconut Chicken And Rice nights, when you want a quick and easy meal to make your life easier. And if you’re a fan of ground chicken, you should also try these Teriyaki Ground Chicken Bowls for an equally delicious and convenient meal.

Also, if you’re looking for other amazing Teriyaki recipes, don’t forget to check out this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken for more delicious meals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions I get about this recipe:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: I recommend using thawed chicken for best results. Frozen chicken can release excess water during cooking, which can dilute the sauce. If you do use frozen chicken, add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can! Follow the same instructions, but cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Q: How long does Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken last in the fridge?

A: Cooked Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

A: Yes, you can! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero!

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’m confident that this will become one of your go-to Easy Crockpot Meals!