Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce - without spending hours in the kitchen! This effortless Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or just someone who loves delicious food with minimal effort, this Japanese-inspired dish is your ticket to an easy, flavor-packed dinner that requires almost zero culinary skills!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, and minced ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Slice the bell pepper and prepare the broccoli florets, then scatter them around and on top of the chicken in the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken and slice or shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crock pot and gently stir to coat.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken hot over steamed rice, spooning extra sauce from the crock pot on top.
- Garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender result. Trim any excess fat to prevent a greasy texture.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk your teriyaki sauce mixture thoroughly to ensure the honey and ginger are well incorporated, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
- Layer Strategically: Arrange chicken in a single layer and distribute vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking and sauce distribution.
- Don't Overcook: While crock pots are forgiving, stick to the 4-hour low heat setting to prevent dry chicken.
- Shredding Technique: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks and pull apart while the meat is still warm and tender.
- Sauce Enhancement: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
