Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Introduction
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce together with tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as you can prepare everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it is simple and requires minimal preparation. Just mix the sauce, add the chicken, and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Second, the slow cooking method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week, making it a fantastic option for meal planning.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
- Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Serve this tasty dish over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also add steamed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top will make the dish even more appealing.
How to Store Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- You can use chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins, such as tofu or beef, and adjusting the cooking times accordingly. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker for a full meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Enjoy making your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken!
