Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Set It and Forget It Flavor

Recipe Introduction: Takeout Fakeout Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Fancy some teriyaki chicken but can’t be arsed with the takeaway queues? I get it. This crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe is a game changer.

It delivers all that sticky, sweet, savory goodness without the questionable ingredients and the delivery driver turning up late again!.

What's the Deal with Teriyaki?

Teriyaki’s all about the glaze. Originating in Japan, teriyaki refers to the cooking technique of glazing food with soy sauce.

This slow cooker asian chicken version is a super easy take on the classic. It’s dead simple to whip up, takes a few hours in the slow cooker, and feeds a family of six sorted.

Why You'll Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Honestly, this recipe is practically foolproof. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you fancy something tasty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Plus, using chicken thighs keeps it juicy and flavourful. This teriyaki chicken thighs crockpot recipe is also ideal for teriyaki chicken meal prep .

Make a big batch on Sunday and you're set for lunches all week!. It's almost a dump and start teriyaki chicken , it's that easy! And don't forget, there's no need to use gluten.

This Crockpot Chicken Dinner Is Healthy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Want a healthier option than your standard takeaway? This fits the bill. Using low-sodium soy sauce cuts down on the salt, and you can load it up with veggies when you serve it.

Plus, you know exactly what's going into it. And if you need this as a gluten-free teriyaki chicken slow cooker recipe, just use tamari! It’s way better for you than whatever they put in that stuff at the takeaway, innit?

Ready to dive in? Next, we'll have a gander at the ingredients you'll need for this delicious crockpot teriyaki chicken with rice .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Easiest Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this crockpot teriyaki chicken wonder. Honestly, it's all about the quality. You know? This recipe is dump and start teriyaki chicken , so you don't want anything naff!

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: 1.4kg (3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces. Now, here's a tip. Fresh thighs are best. Give them a sniff; they should smell fresh, not fishy.

• Soy Sauce: 120 ml (½ cup) . Go for low-sodium, trust me.

• Water: 120 ml (½ cup) . Tap water is fine.

• Brown Sugar: 90 ml (⅓ cup) , packed. Light or dark, your call.

• Honey: 60 ml (¼ cup) . Runny honey is easier to measure.

• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons . Don't skip this; it adds a lovely tang.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 teaspoon). Fresh is best, obviously.

• Ginger: 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger makes all the difference.

• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon . This thickens the sauce.

• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon . Just a touch for that nutty flavour.

• Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon . Adds depth to the flavour.

• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch!

I remember once using powdered ginger instead of fresh. Oh my gosh! It was not the same!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Slow Cooker Asian Chicken

The magic is in balancing sweet, salty, and tangy. This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe uses a simple blend. It is a match made in heaven.

Soy sauce provides the salt. Brown sugar and honey offer sweetness. Rice vinegar cuts through the richness.

For a bit of extra oomph, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or, try a dash of sriracha. If you're after a gluten-free teriyaki chicken slow cooker version, swap soy sauce for tamari.

Equipment Needed for Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

• Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Essential. A 6-quart slow cooker works great.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Mixing bowl: To whisk the sauce.
• Whisk: A fork works in a pinch.
• Cutting board: For prepping the chicken.
• Knife: A sharp one makes the job easier.

You don't need fancy gear for this teriyaki chicken thighs crockpot recipe. Honestly, I've made it in my nan's old crockpot from the 70s, and it still tasted amazing.

It's about flavour, not faff! This is an ideal teriyaki chicken meal prep solution.

Cooking Method: Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken – Dead Easy and Delish!

Fancy a proper tasty dinner with barely any effort? Then this crockpot teriyaki chicken is your answer. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

You can prep it in the morning and come home to a kitchen smelling like a proper Asian feast! Plus, it’s way healthier than ordering a takeaway.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place , Made Easy.

First, the essential bit, prep. Cut about 1.4 kg of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into roughly 2.5cm pieces.

Whack out your measuring cups. Mince 2 cloves of garlic, and grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Oh, and safety reminder : wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? This recipe is the perfect one if you are looking for easy crockpot chicken recipes

step-by-step: Dump and Start Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

Ready to get cooking?

1. Chuck the chicken into your slow cooker.
2. Mix 120ml of soy sauce, 120ml of water, 90ml of brown sugar, 60ml of honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, garlic, grated ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil, 0.5 tsp ground ginger, and 0.25 tsp pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender.
5. Mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water. This makes a slurry to thicken the sauce.
6. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stir, and cook on high for another 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce is thick and glossy.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional). Serve hot with rice absolute winner, this crockpot teriyaki chicken with rice !

Pro Tips: Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Crockpot Secrets

Want to take your slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe to the next level? Add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Don’t overcook the chicken, otherwise, it can end up dry. A good starting point for the Internal temperature should be around 74° C ( 165° F) , this is a good critical temperature point , also Using low-sodium soy sauce lets you control the salt levels.

This is perfect if you are looking for a healthy crockpot teriyaki chicken .

Making it ahead? This teriyaki chicken meal prep is brilliant. Just cook as directed, let it cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave. If you’re after a gluten-free teriyaki chicken slow cooker version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari! Enjoy your slow cooker asian chicken , it is a perfect crockpot chicken dinner ideas .

Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Masterpiece

Right then, let's chat about some little tips and tricks. These are the kind of things I've learned from making this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe more times than I care to admit, honestly.

It's all about making your life easier, innit?

Plating Like a Pro (Even if You're Not)

Okay, so you've got this amazing crockpot teriyaki chicken with rice , but how do you make it look fancy? First things first, don't just dump it in a bowl, yeah? A nice shallow bowl is your friend.

Fluff up your rice, then artfully arrange the chicken on top. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced green onions will make it look like you've actually put in effort! On the side, some steamed broccoli or a simple Asian slaw cuts through the richness nicely.

Oh, and a cold beer. Always a good choice.

Storage for Days (or Just Lunch Tomorrow)

Right, so, let's say you manage not to scoff the whole lot in one go. To store this easy crockpot chicken recipes wonder, let it cool completely first.

Then, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days , easy peasy.

If you're thinking long term, teriyaki chicken meal prep style, freezing is an option. Portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers.

It'll be good for up to 3 months . When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot.

Variations: Spice It Up or Keep It Clean

Fancy a change? For a spicy teriyaki chicken slow cooker twist, chuck in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dollop of sriracha.

Want something healthy crockpot teriyaki chicken oriented? Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. And if you're looking for a gluten-free teriyaki chicken slow cooker meal, just use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Boom, problem solved. For the adventurous, throw in some pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe - you know?

Nutrition Nuggets: Not Just Tasty, But Good For Ya!

Right, so, this dump and start teriyaki chicken isn’t just delicious. It's also got some goodness going on. Chicken is packed with protein, which is ace for building muscles and feeling full.

But bear in mind that sauce can be high in sugar and sodium. But it all evens out...mostly.

Honestly, this crockpot teriyaki chicken thighs crockpot recipe is such a winner. It's easy, delicious, and a total crowd pleaser. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing.

What's not to love? Get stuck in and enjoy! It really is one of those killer crockpot chicken dinner ideas !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe?

You can indeed, but chicken thighs are generally more forgiving in the slow cooker, staying moist and tender. If using breasts, keep a close eye on them and reduce the cooking time, as they can dry out if overcooked.

Think of chicken thighs as the reliable Mini Cooper of the chicken world always gets you where you need to go, whereas breasts are the flashier sports car that needs more careful handling.

How do I prevent my crockpot teriyaki chicken sauce from being too watery?

A watery sauce is a common slow cooker woe, but easily fixed! Firstly, don't add extra water beyond the recipe's amount. Secondly, ensure you use cornstarch slurry at the end. Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the crockpot to prevent lumps.

If it's still too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it further.

Can I prepare the crockpot teriyaki chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before. Mix the sauce in a container and store in the fridge, and chop the chicken. Then, in the morning, just dump everything in the slow cooker. You could even throw it all into a freezer bag and freeze it for a super easy meal later.

Just remember to thaw it completely before cooking, or you'll end up with a teriyaki ice age in your slow cooker!

What's the best way to store leftover crockpot teriyaki chicken?

Leftovers are brilliant! Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months, but the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing, just like a good old British summer, its a little unpredictable.

Is this crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe healthy?

It can be! To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Serve it with brown rice or quinoa and plenty of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Also, keep in mind that the recipe as written does have a moderate amount of sugar.