Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a fantastic dish for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners. It’s simple to prepare, letting the slow cooker do most of the work while you focus on other things. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful teriyaki sauce makes it a hit with everyone. Plus, it pairs well with rice or vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal.
How to make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker; cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once done, shred the chicken in the sauce or serve whole.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy with rice or steamed vegetables.
How to serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over a bowl of steaming rice, letting the sauce soak into the grains. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun touch, sprinkle on sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add color and extra flavor.
How to store Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Once the meal is done, let any leftovers cool down before placing them in an airtight container. You can store the chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results. They stay tender and juicy during cooking.
- For a little more flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This adds nutrition and color to your dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be less tender than thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables make great sides for this dish. You can also serve it in wraps or over noodles.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker; cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once done, shred the chicken in the sauce or serve whole.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
- Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
