Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Whether you’re short on time or just looking for an easy, delicious meal, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when I need something comforting without the hassle.
The sweet and savory flavors meld beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at home. I appreciate how effortlessly it cooks while I go about my day. Plus, the tender chicken practically falls apart, soaking up that rich sauce.
It’s perfect served over rice, and cleanup’s a breeze. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a regular in your meal rotation!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
When it comes to whipping up something delicious with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a total gem. You’ll love the blend of sweet and savory flavors that come together to create a dish that feels special but is super easy to make.
Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a meal that cooks itself while you tackle other life responsibilities? So, let’s talk about what you need to gather to make this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
- 5 chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but really adds a nice touch)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons cold water
Now, before you start gathering your ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, the chicken should be thawed if it was frozen, because no one wants to deal with a frozen block of chicken in the slow cooker—trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not pretty.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider tweaking the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce based on your taste preferences.
And that sesame oil? While it’s optional, I say go for it if you have it on hand. It really elevates the dish, giving it that authentic Asian flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. First things first, grab your 5 chicken breasts (about 3 pounds). If they’re frozen, make sure they’re thawed out; trust me, you don’t want to be wrestling with a block of frozen chicken in your slow cooker.
Once you have your chicken ready, spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This little step helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—because we all know how much we love scrubbing pots and pans.
Now, in a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, and if you’re feeling fancy, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir it all together until the brown sugar is nicely dissolved.
Pour this sweet and savory concoction over your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover it up and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7. This is the point where you can go about your day, binge-watch that show you’ve been meaning to catch up on, or even tackle that mountain of laundry that’s been staring at you.
Once the cooking time is up, and your kitchen smells like a little piece of heaven, carefully remove the chicken and set it on a plate. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth.
Pour this mixture into the crock pot and stir thoroughly. Now, here comes the fun part: take two forks and shred the chicken just a bit—enough so the sauce can mingle with every delicious bite, but don’t go overboard.
Place the chicken back into the pot, give it a good stir, and let it cook for another 30 minutes to thicken up the sauce. In the meantime, you can prepare your rice, which will be the perfect bed for this teriyaki delight.
And there you have it, a flavorful dish with minimal fuss that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavor of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make the dish your own.
For a healthier twist, you can use boneless, skinless turkey breasts instead of chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same sauce.
Swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can also experiment with adding pineapple chunks for a fruity kick or throw in some steamed broccoli towards the end for extra veggies.
The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
To complement the savory flavors of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, I often choose to serve it over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
For a colorful touch, I love adding steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side. These veggies not only enhance the meal’s presentation but also add a nice crunch.
You might also consider a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Whatever you choose, I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your dinner table!
Additional Tips & Notes
If you’re looking to elevate your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, consider experimenting with the sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
You can also toss in some chopped green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
For meal prep, this dish stores well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen overnight.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a sweet twist.
Just remember, adjusting the sugar can balance the flavors based on your taste preferences.
Enjoy!