Ingredients
Scale
For this easy Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option): Chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy in the Crock Pot, making them the perfect canvas for the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce: Store-bought or homemade (more on that later!). This is the base of the dish and adds all the signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce in the teriyaki.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds a zesty kick to the sauce, giving it a nice depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings the salty umami flavor to the dish, enhancing the teriyaki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A dash of acidity helps to balance the richness of the sauce and tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): If you prefer a thicker sauce, cornstarch is a simple way to give it a glossy, luscious texture.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and a little extra flavor.
- Green onions (for garnish): Chopped green onions brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness.
Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this easy and delicious Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. It’s so simple, even beginners can make this with confidence!
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your Crock Pot. There’s no need to sear them first—just lay them in whole. If you prefer, you can season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, but the teriyaki sauce will provide plenty of flavor.
- Mix the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust if you like it sweeter (add a little more honey) or saltier (add a splash more soy sauce). This is where you can make the recipe your own!
- Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, making sure the chicken is coated evenly. Don’t worry about the sauce covering the chicken completely; as it cooks, it will naturally distribute and soak into the meat.
- Set the Crock Pot:
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. It should pull apart effortlessly and absorb all the teriyaki sauce. Give it a good mix so the chicken is coated with all that delicious sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
- Garnish:
- Serve the shredded chicken over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a touch of crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g