If you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner option packed with flavor, this crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is just what you need. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creating a delightful meal that your family will love. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting dinner that requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 24g
– Carbohydrates: 28g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional value is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, check the chicken for tenderness.
6. If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce for thickening.
7. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot.
8. Stir the chicken to coat in the sauce.
9. Serve the chicken over rice or noodles.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of sesame noodles or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to freeze the teriyaki chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid using too much soy sauce; it can make the dish overly salty.
– Don’t skip the marinating step; it enhances the flavor.
– Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
– Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
– Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
– Thicken the sauce at the right time to avoid an overly thick consistency.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
– Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the crockpot for a one-pot meal.
– Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey.
– Serve with additional teriyaki sauce on the side for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad for added freshness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken the day before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day in the crockpot for an easy meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out into containers and store it for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
You can mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it.
Conclusion
This crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the tender, flavorful chicken with your choice of sides, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Check the chicken for tenderness about 30 minutes before serving.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
- Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot.
- Stir the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
