Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a delightful dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that has a hint of citrus. It cooks gently in a slow cooker, making it a perfect meal for busy days or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cooking chicken in a slow cooker allows the meat to absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce while keeping it moist and juicy. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. First, it is very simple to make. You only need to mix a few ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. You can easily prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner, making it ideal for busy individuals or families.

Second, this recipe is versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce to your liking.

Finally, Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is a healthy option. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts offers lean protein, and the sauce can be made with low-sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners like honey. It’s a delightful and nutritious choice for anyone eager to enjoy a homemade meal.

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TERIYAKI

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is straightforward and fun. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium saucepan
• Small mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving dish

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 Tbsp orange marmalade
• 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cold water
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
• Cooked long grain white rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, light-brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, cover it with a lid, and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it.
5. Strain the sauce from the slow cooker through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan.
6. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 Tbsp of cold water and the cornstarch.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the liquid in the saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it is gently boiling.
8. Allow the mixture to gently boil for about 20 seconds until it thickens.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce from the saucepan over the chicken.
10. Toss gently to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce.
11. Serve warm over cooked rice, garnished with optional sesame seeds, and diced fresh pineapple if desired. Adjust the soy sauce to taste or substitute unsalted chicken stock for soy sauce to reach your desired level of saltiness.

HOW TO SERVE SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TERIYAKI

When serving Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki, there are many options to consider. A simple yet classic choice is to serve it over a bed of cooked long grain white rice. This will soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting base to the meal.

You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finish and added crunch. If you’d like an extra burst of flavor, consider adding diced fresh pineapple on the side. This will enhance the sweet and tangy profile of the teriyaki sauce.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, you could serve the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables to complete the dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are excellent choices that pair well with the teriyaki flavors.

STORAGE & FREEZING: SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TERIYAKI

Storing leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki is easy. Simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing it to keep it fresh.

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 4 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many ways to enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• Toss it with cooked noodles for a quick teriyaki pasta dish.
• Serve it with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, for a healthy side.
• Pair it with a fresh salad to add some crunch and freshness to your plate.
• Offer it as a filling for wraps with your favorite toppings.

VARIATIONS

You can easily make variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki to suit your taste:

• Add more vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to cook along with the chicken for extra nutrition.
• Change the protein: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, or use shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar.
• Try different flavors: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist or hold back some teriyaki sauce for dipping.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking time may be longer. Make sure to check that it is fully cooked before serving.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use tamari sauce in place of soy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish in a regular pot?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a large pot on the stove. Just simmer the sauce and chicken together until fully cooked.

4. How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TERIYAKI

If you want to prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki ahead of time, you can do so easily. Here are some tips:

• Prep the chicken: Season the chicken and prepare the sauce the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
• Ready the slow cooker: Place the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker in the morning. Set it to cook on low for a delicious meal waiting for you in the evening.
• Cook and store: If you have leftovers, shred the chicken and store it in an airtight container, as mentioned before, so you can easily reheat and enjoy it later.

With these tips, you can make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki a stress-free part of your meal planning! Enjoy the delicious flavors, and watch everyone come back for seconds.

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