Teriyaki chicken is a classic for a reason: it's delicious, versatile, and relatively simple to make. But who has time to stand over a stovetop, carefully monitoring chicken as it simmers? That's where your trusty crock pot comes in! This guide will walk you through creating succulent, fall-apart teriyaki chicken with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. We'll explore variations, address common questions, and help you master this crowd-pleasing dish.
What Makes Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken So Great?
Crock pot teriyaki chicken boasts several advantages:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients in the crock pot, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process yields incredibly tender chicken.
- Maximum Flavor: The long cooking time allows the chicken to fully absorb the teriyaki sauce, resulting in deep, rich flavor.
- Versatility: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and add various vegetables for a complete meal.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.
Basic Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay more moist)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade – see variations below)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) stirred into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking in the slow cooker.
- Shred the chicken and serve over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetables.
Variations on Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: For a more authentic taste, try making your own teriyaki sauce. Numerous recipes are available online, typically using soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance your dish by adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, carrots, or onions during the last hour of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken in my crock pot teriyaki chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you'll need to increase the cooking time significantly. Add about 2-3 hours to the low setting cooking time. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.
How do I thicken my teriyaki sauce?
As mentioned above, a cornstarch slurry added during the last 30 minutes of cooking is very effective. Alternatively, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily than thighs in a slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure they are cooked through but still juicy.
How do I store leftover teriyaki chicken?
Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze leftover teriyaki chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover teriyaki chicken for up to 3 months.
This comprehensive guide provides a delicious and convenient way to enjoy crock pot teriyaki chicken. Experiment with different flavors and variations to find your perfect recipe! Remember to always ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Enjoy!
