Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Hey there, food lovers! 🍽️ Are you ready for a super easy, incredibly tasty dinner idea? Let me introduce you to my Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken! This recipe is a game-changer. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal that’s better than takeout. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy days when you just want to set it and forget it. Let’s dive into this savory-sweet goodness!

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What you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s talk about what makes this Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken so darn good!

• Chicken Breasts: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook up super tender and soak in all the yummy flavors.
• Garlic and Ginger: These two are a flavor powerhouse. A bit of minced garlic and ginger adds a zesty kick that’s just right.
• Honey and Brown Sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness, honey and brown sugar are your best friends. They balance out the savory flavors beautifully.
• Tamari: This soy sauce alternative brings a rich, savory taste to our teriyaki sauce. You can totally use regular soy sauce if you prefer!
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a little bit of this adds a lovely nutty flavor that makes the dish pop.
• Rice Vinegar: It gives the sauce a slight tang that keeps things interesting.
• Cornstarch and Water: These two team up to thicken the sauce, making it nice and glossy.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: The final touch! Sprinkle these on top for a bit of crunch and a pop of color.

Try my Prep-Ahead Slow Cooker Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup recipe.

Throw these simple ingredients together in your slow cooker, and you’re on your way to an easy, delicious meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

(i) Set It and Forget It: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days! 🕒

(ii) Flavor Bomb: The combination of garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich and savory teriyaki sauce. 🎉

(iii) Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for shredding. 🍗

(iv) Healthy and Homemade: You know exactly what’s going into your meal—no hidden ingredients or preservatives. 🌱

(v) Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or in a wrap. It’s great for meal prep too! 🍚🥢

(vi) Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with the kids, making dinner a breeze. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

(vii) Beautiful Presentation: With sesame seeds and green onions on top, it looks as good as it tastes! 🌟

Give this recipe a try and it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!

What you’ll need to do to make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 4 hours

1| Prep the Chicken: Toss those chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!

2| Mix the Magic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, brown sugar, tamari (or soy sauce), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour this delightful mixture all over the chicken.

3| Slow Cook It: Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. Sit back and relax while your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

4| Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart nicely.

5| Thicken the Sauce: Strain the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Heat it up over medium-high heat until it starts to simmer.

6| Make It Saucy: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Pour this into your saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.

7|Combine and Serve: Pour that luscious sauce over the shredded chicken and toss until everything’s well-coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy!

Try my Classic Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

Super simple, super delicious, and sure to be a hit! 🍗✨

Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Here are some possible substitutions and improvisation ideas for your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe:

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Substitutions:

1| Chicken:

• Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, substitute with firm tofu.

2| Tamari:

• Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well if you don’t need a gluten-free option.
• Coconut Aminos: A great alternative for a soy-free version.

3| Honey:

• Maple Syrup: For a slightly different sweet flavor.
• Agave Nectar: Another good alternative if you want to keep it vegan.

4| Brown Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: For a less processed, more natural sweetener.
• White Sugar: In a pinch, white sugar can be used, though it might slightly alter the flavor.

5| Sesame Oil:

• Olive Oil: For a milder flavor.
• Avocado Oil: A neutral-tasting oil that’s also healthy.

6| Rice Vinegar:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a nice tang but is slightly stronger.
• White Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar can work.

Improvisations:

Try my Orange Chicken Stir Fry recipe.

1| Add Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Broccoli: Toss in some broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.

2| Spice It Up:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Sriracha: Add a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

3| Different Garnishes:

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Crushed Peanuts: For a crunchy texture and a nutty taste.

4| Citrus Twist:

• Orange Juice/Zest: Add a splash of orange juice or a bit of zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.

5| Serve Differently:

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve the shredded teriyaki chicken in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Tacos: Make teriyaki chicken tacos with some slaw and spicy mayo.

These substitutions and improvisations can make the recipe more versatile and cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. Enjoy experimenting!

Try my Ground Beef Korean Meal Prep Bowls recipe.

Some useful tips for the recipe

Here are some useful tips to make your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe even better:

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1| Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier and more flavorful meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs are less likely to dry out during the slow cooking process.

2| Adjust Sweetness: Taste your teriyaki sauce before cooking and adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness. You can always add a bit more towards the end of cooking if needed.

3| Low Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium tamari or soy sauce. You can also dilute regular soy sauce with water to reduce saltiness.

4| Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, toss in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking. This adds color, nutrients, and extra flavor.

5| Thicken Sauce Correctly: When thickening the teriyaki sauce with cornstarch, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot sauce. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, glossy sauce.

6| Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and a pleasing presentation.

7| Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and makes for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

8| Serve Creatively: Enjoy the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. It also makes delicious wraps or bowls with fresh greens and your favorite toppings.

9| Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary in temperature. If your slow cooker runs hot, you may need less cooking time. Conversely, if it runs cooler, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly.

10| Enhance Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding it to the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

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These tips will help you make the most out of your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe, ensuring delicious results every time!

Some serving suggestions

Here are some delicious serving ideas for your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:

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1| Over Steamed Rice: Serve the tender teriyaki chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. Spoon extra sauce over the rice for added flavor.

2| With Noodles: Toss the shredded teriyaki chicken with cooked soba noodles or udon noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

3| In Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine) as wraps. Fill them with the teriyaki chicken, and add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

4| In Sandwiches or Wraps: Make teriyaki chicken sandwiches using soft sandwich rolls or wraps. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and a spread of mayo or avocado for extra creaminess.

5| Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Create a bowl with a base of rice or quinoa, topped with the teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli or snap peas, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

6| On Salads: Slice or shred the teriyaki chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light sesame ginger dressing.

7| As Tacos: Fill soft corn or flour tortillas with the teriyaki chicken, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for brightness.

8| Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Use the cooked teriyaki chicken as a base for a quick stir-fry. Add stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. Serve over rice or noodles.

9| With Fried Rice: Serve alongside homemade or takeout-style fried rice. Mix the teriyaki chicken directly into the fried rice for a complete meal.

10| On Skewers: Thread chunks of teriyaki chicken onto skewers with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions. Grill or broil until lightly charred and serve as teriyaki chicken kebabs.

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These serving ideas offer versatility and allow you to enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken in various delicious ways!

Some storage suggestions

Here are some storage options to keep your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken fresh and delicious:

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1| Refrigerator: Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken and sauce are completely cooled before storing.

2| Freezer: Teriyaki chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

3| Meal Prep Containers: Portion out the teriyaki chicken into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

4| Separate Sauce: If storing for meal prep or freezing, consider storing the chicken and sauce separately. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy when reheated.

5| Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen teriyaki chicken overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

6| Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed teriyaki chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.

7| Creative Uses: Use leftover teriyaki chicken in wraps, sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, or as a topping for pizzas for quick and flavorful meals.

By following these storage options, you can enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken conveniently and with minimal effort for future meals.

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And there you have it, folks! My Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is ready to be devoured. 🥢 Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s so simple and hassle-free, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking, everyone! 🍛🎉

Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

🌟 Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Delight: Craving something savory and sweet? This teriyaki chicken recipe is a game-changer! Pop it in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got tender, saucy chicken that’s perfect over rice or noodles. So easy, so tasty! 🍜🥢

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Gluten Free High Protein M Meal Prep

Print Recipe

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 11 Calories: 237

Ingredients

Servings

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (680g)
• 2 tsp garlic minced
• 2 tsp ginger minced
• 2 fl oz honey (60ml)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 fl oz tamari (120ml)
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 fl oz cold water (60ml)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions, to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1:

   Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.

2. Step 2:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.

3. Step 3:

   Place the lid on the slow cooked and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.

4. Step 4:

   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.

5. Step 5:

   Pour the teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium high heat and bring to a simmer.

6. Step 6:

   In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water and stir until dissolved. Pour the cornstarch into the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has just thickened.

7. Step 7:

   Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 237kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 5g8%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Protein 28g57%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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