Indulge in savory chicken teriyaki: your crock pot’s star attraction

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Japan with this mouthwatering chicken teriyaki recipe, crafted effortlessly in the convenience of your crock pot. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll savor a tender, succulent chicken drenched in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crock pot.

2. Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.

3. Pour over the chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

4. Cook on low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Thicken the sauce (optional): If desired, remove the chicken from the crock pot and set it aside. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Bring the teriyaki sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry until thickened.

6. Serve: Return the chicken to the sauce and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions (optional).

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Teriyaki

• Use chicken with the bone in: Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken.
• Add vegetables: For a more complete meal, add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the crock pot.
• Experiment with different flavors: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce to your taste. You can also add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes.

Benefits of Using a Crock Pot

• Convenience: Crock pots allow you to cook delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Tenderness: The slow, gentle cooking process results in incredibly tender meat.
• Time-saving: You can set your crock pot in the morning and have dinner ready when you get home.
• Versatility: Crock pots can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and desserts.

Variations on the Recipe

• Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: Add a cup of diced pineapple to the crock pot along with the chicken.
• Sesame Chicken Teriyaki: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
• Spicy Chicken Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or Sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce for a kick of heat.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Weeknight Meals with Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

With its effortless preparation and irresistible flavors, this crock-pot chicken teriyaki recipe will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your crock pot, and prepare to savor the tantalizing flavors of Japan.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can. Simply thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crock pot.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If desired, you can thicken the sauce by making a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch ++ 2 tablespoons water) and adding it to the boiling sauce.

3. What should I serve with chicken teriyaki?
Chicken teriyaki can be served over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. You can also add vegetables such as broccoli or carrots to the crock pot for a more complete meal.

4. How long can I store leftover chicken teriyaki?
Leftover chicken teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I make chicken teriyaki in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. The cooking time and instructions will be the same as for a crock pot.