Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This unbelievably good slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is just what you’ve been looking for!It’s an easy Asian inspired recipe that can cook unattended while you’re out of the house all day working or running errands! It takes just minutes to prep. All you have to do is dump everything into the pot and then the slow cooker does the rest of the work, which makes this a fantastic meal prep recipe for busy weeknights!   And not only is this chicken dish a cinch to make, but it’s healthy and tasty too! Made with tender juicy chicken breasts coated in a delicious sweet sticky sauce, this chicken teriyaki is yummy served over simple steamed rice or Sesame Noodles with a side of vegetables. Not to mention, teriyaki chicken is always a hit at the dinner table! The kids and adults will gobble this dish up! It’s just as good as my Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken but make for your crockpot!

Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Chicken Broth – To control the amount of added salt I always use low-sodium broth. Teriyaki Sauce – You can use any store-bought variety or make your own teriyaki sauce. And by using an already made sauce you don’t to make a cornstarch slurry for this recipe. Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. You could use honey as a substitute. Garlic – Always use fresh minced garlic cloves for the best tasting results. You can add a bit of fresh ginger too for even more flavor. Soy Sauce (Low Sodium) –  I always use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. You can also use gluten-free tamari if you like. Sesame Oil – Full of rich toasted sesame flavor. This ingredient should not be substituted. Sesame Seeds – Used to garnish the dish, sesame seeds add another layer of texture and flavor.

Besides it being totally delicious, the best part about this crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe is that it nearly cooks itself. Once the ingredients are in and the crockpot has been turned on your work is done! To begin, you need to coat the chicken in the yummy sauce that makes the dish! To do this, just whisk the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic together in a large bowl, stirring until it’s fully combined. Then add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them together with the sauce.  After the chicken is fully coated in sauce, put it in the crockpot with all the sauce. Then put the lid on the slow cooker and simmer the chicken teriyaki on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. When done, the breasts should be at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital cooking thermometer.  Once the breasts are fully cooked, remove them from the crockpot and then shred them using two forks. Then plate the slow cooker teriyaki chicken over some steamed white or brown rice with extra sauce if you like. Now, garish with sesame seeds and serve immediately with a sprinkle of green onions and a side of steamed broccoli if you like. 

Can I Use Frozen Chicken In The Slow Cooker?

You should always thaw chicken out before putting it in the crockpot to cook. This is because there is a risk of bacteria starting to form before the chicken reaches a safe temperature. Basically, you don’t want the crock pot to have to defrost the chicken for you. Doing so can interrupt the cooking process and keep the chicken at an unsafe temperature for too long. 

How Do I Keep The Chicken From Drying Out?

Like any time you cook chicken, it will become dry if it’s overcooked. Even if it’s in liquid. So the best way to prevent chicken from drying out in the crockpot is to stop cooking it once it’s done. If you leave the chicken in the slow cooker for several hours after it reaches 165°F (74°C) it is sure to dry out.

Storage

Leftover slow cooker teriyaki chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Then to reheat, put it in the microwave for a few minutes on medium power or in a saucepan on the stovetop. You can also freeze the chicken teriyaki leftovers for up to 3 months. Then just let them thaw out overnight in the fridge before reheating. 

Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Teriyaki Sauce Crockpot Pork Loin Roast Slow Cooker Short Ribs Teriyaki Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker Ribs Teriyaki Chicken Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Enjoy!

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