There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken wafting through your home. Picture this: tender chicken bathing in a savory-sweet sauce, mingling with hints of garlic and ginger, creating a harmonious symphony that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup You can practically hear the applause of your hungry family as they gather around the dinner table, eager to dig into this delicious meal.
Now, let me take you back to a rainy Saturday afternoon when I first discovered this recipe. My kitchen turned into a cozy sanctuary filled with laughter and the clatter of utensils as my kids tried their hand at cooking alongside me. Lentil Coconut Curry We took turns pouring ingredients into the slow cooker, each addition accompanied by exaggerated chef-like gestures and giggles. The excitement built as we waited for that first bite—spoiler alert: it was a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights; just set it and forget it!
- The sweet-savory glaze creates an irresistible flavor that pleases every palate
- Its vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner plate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or stir-fried veggies for an easy meal upgrade
This dish has become a family favorite, always bringing smiles and satisfied bellies to our dinner table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding. For more inspiration, check out this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds an amazing zing; peel it carefully before mincing.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This gives your teriyaki sauce that signature sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance out the sweetness; it’s essential for that authentic flavor.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds depth; just be careful not to overdo it as it’s quite strong.
Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce at the end; it’s optional but recommended for a nice glaze.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions are perfect for garnish; they add color and a fresh crunch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts and patting them dry. This ensures they absorb all those delicious flavors later on.
Mince Garlic and Ginger: Chop up about four cloves of garlic and an inch of fresh ginger root until finely minced. Trust me, this combo will make your kitchen smell divine!
Mix Your Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger until smooth. Feel free to taste test—it’s like magic in liquid form!
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated because nobody likes bland chicken. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with two forks—so satisfying!
Create Your Glaze (Optional): If you fancy a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl while your chicken cooks. Stir this mixture into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
And voila! You have created mouthwatering Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole.
Make sure to serve it over fluffy white rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal experience that feels like a hug from mother nature herself! Enjoy every juicy bite!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The sweet and savory aroma fills your home, making everyone gather around the table
- Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare and can be customized easily for a family feast
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best results, start by searing the chicken in a skillet before placing it in your slow cooker. This step locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring your teriyaki chicken is juicy and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or beef if desired. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can elevate the dish and add vibrant colors.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor
- A touch of ginger can enhance the depth of your teriyaki sauce beautifully
- Don’t skip the searing step; it elevates your dish significantly!
Cooking this dish reminds me of when I made it for my friends’ potluck. They thought I slaved over it all day, but little did they know my secret was just letting the slow cooker do all the work!
FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken?
Serve it with rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 32 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a family favorite that delivers on flavor and convenience. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce infused with garlic and ginger. Perfectly paired with rice or stir-fried veggies, it’s an easy weeknight meal that transforms any dinner into a delightful experience. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Mince garlic and ginger, then combine in a bowl with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil; whisk until smooth.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over rice or vegetables and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, sear chicken in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker. - Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or beef for variations. - Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance nutrition and color.
