Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering all the savory goodness of your favorite takeout dish without the hassle. Picture tender chicken thighs bathing in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, infused with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Crafting this dish in the slow cooker is pure genius. As the chicken simmers away, it absorbs all the rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce, resulting in meat that’s unbelievably tender and bursting with flavor. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically cooks itself. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner party, this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is guaranteed to impress.

So, grab your slow cooker and prepare to be amazed by the magic of homemade teriyaki chicken. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of slow cooking done right!

Resume of the Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style

Unlock the secrets of flavor with our Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken—a recipe that promises to transport your taste buds to culinary bliss. It’s a dish that marries the convenience of slow cooking with the bold, irresistible flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving the sweet and savory goodness of teriyaki chicken without the hassle of takeout. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with tender, juicy perfection while you go about your day.

What sets this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of the show, boasting a perfect balance of sweetness and umami that’s sure to leave you craving more. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a home cook eager to impress, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

The Tale of Flavorful Simplicity

In our bustling household, weeknights are always a whirlwind of activity. That’s why I turn to recipes like this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken to save the day. I still remember the first time I made it—the tantalizing aroma that filled the air as the chicken simmered away in the slow cooker, the excitement in my family’s eyes as they eagerly awaited dinner. And when we finally sat down to eat, it was pure magic. Tender, succulent chicken bathed in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce—it was love at first bite. Since then, this dish has become a regular on our dinner rotation, bringing joy and satisfaction to our table with every batch.

Why This ‘Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken’

• Effortless Elegance: Achieve gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
• Mouthwatering Aroma: Fill your home with the enticing scent of homemade teriyaki.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Cuisine: Asian

What you Need to make Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
2. Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and slice or shred it as desired. Serve the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe because they remain tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Adding the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking helps thicken the teriyaki sauce to a perfect consistency.
• Garnish: The sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a pop of color and flavor to the dish, but they are optional.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Make a Healthier Version

• Leaner Protein: Use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for a lower-fat option.
• Reduced-Sugar: Use a sugar-free sweetener or reduce the amount of honey to decrease the sugar content of the teriyaki sauce.

“And there you have it! A delectable dish of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender chicken, all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Bon appétit!”

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

What should I serve with this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken? This teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I double the Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of teriyaki chicken. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Crock Pot®

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

4

minutes

Calories

227

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Directions

• Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
• Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
• Pour in the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
• Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
• Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and slice or shred it as desired. Serve the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.