Are you looking for a mouth-watering, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy day? Look no further than slow cooker chicken teriyaki. This Japanese-inspired recipe is a staple for a reason – it’s incredibly simple, deliciously flavorful, and can be cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make slow cooker chicken teriyaki, including the ingredients, cooking methods, and some helpful tips to make your dish truly unforgettable.
What is Teriyaki?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at what teriyaki actually is. Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique that involves marinating meat or seafood in a sweet soy sauce-based sauce, then grilling or broiling it to perfection. The resulting dish is sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. In the case of slow cooker chicken teriyaki, we’ll be using a similar sauce, but instead of grilling or broiling, we’ll be cooking the chicken low and slow in our trusty slow cooker.
Ingredients
So, what do you need to make slow cooker chicken teriyaki? Here are the ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
If you want to make your own teriyaki sauce from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Let it cool before using.
Cooking the Chicken
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s talk about cooking the chicken. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic.
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in some sliced green onions.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your slow cooker chicken teriyaki truly unforgettable:
- Use a variety of protein: While chicken is the most common protein used in teriyaki, you can also use beef, pork, tofu, or even salmon.
- Add some vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are all great additions to slow cooker chicken teriyaki.
- Use different types of sugar: While brown sugar is traditional, you can also use honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar.
- Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to give your teriyaki a spicy kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker chicken teriyaki:
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily, but not so long that it becomes dry and tough.
- Not using enough sauce: Make sure to use enough sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables, but not so much that it becomes too soggy.
- Not stirring the sauce: Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
So, how do you serve slow cooker chicken teriyaki? Here are some ideas:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles: This is the most traditional way to serve teriyaki, and for good reason – the rice or noodles soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Add some stir-fried vegetables: Stir-fry some bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas with some oil, garlic, and ginger, and serve alongside the chicken.
- Use as a sandwich filling: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Nutrition Information
Here’s the nutrition information for slow cooker chicken teriyaki:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 per serving |
| Protein | 35g per serving |
| Fat | 10g per serving |
| Sodium | 500mg per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 20g per serving |
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken teriyaki is a deliciously easy Japanese-inspired dish that’s perfect for a busy day. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender chicken, and variety of serving options, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you.
Final Tips
- Experiment with different ingredients and variations to make the recipe your own.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – it’s all part of the cooking process.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with your loved ones.
What is Chicken Teriyaki?
Chicken Teriyaki is a popular Japanese-inspired dish that consists of marinated chicken cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The dish is typically made with chicken breast or thighs, which are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices before being grilled or pan-fried. In the case of slow cooker chicken teriyaki, the chicken is cooked in a slow cooker with the teriyaki sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
The beauty of chicken teriyaki lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Additionally, the teriyaki sauce can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, with options to add more or less sugar, soy sauce, or spices.
What are the benefits of using a slow cooker for Chicken Teriyaki?
Using a slow cooker to make chicken teriyaki offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for hands-off cooking, which means that you can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is especially convenient for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Secondly, the slow cooker helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that it allows for even cooking. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to cook the chicken evenly, ensuring that it is cooked through and tender. This is especially important when cooking chicken, as it can be prone to drying out if overcooked. Overall, using a slow cooker is a great way to make delicious and tender chicken teriyaki with minimal effort.
What type of chicken is best for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki?
The best type of chicken for slow cooker chicken teriyaki is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and will result in a slightly healthier dish, while chicken thighs are more tender and juicy. You can use either one or a combination of both, depending on your personal preference.
It’s also important to note that you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Simply thaw the chicken according to the package instructions and add it to the slow cooker with the teriyaki sauce. However, keep in mind that frozen chicken may release more moisture during cooking, which can result in a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I customize the teriyaki sauce to suit my taste?
Yes, you can customize the teriyaki sauce to suit your taste. The basic ingredients of teriyaki sauce include soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices, but you can adjust the proportions of these ingredients to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar. If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add more vinegar.
You can also add other ingredients to the teriyaki sauce to give it more flavor. Some options include grated ginger, garlic, green onions, or sesame oil. Simply add these ingredients to the sauce and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cooks, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What are some serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki?
Slow cooker chicken teriyaki is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, steamed rice, or noodles. You can also serve the chicken with stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers or snow peas, for a quick and easy dinner.
Another option is to serve the chicken in a bowl with a variety of toppings, such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or diced avocado. This is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish. You can also serve the chicken with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken teriyaki ahead of time. In fact, this is one of the benefits of using a slow cooker. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and tender meal. You can also cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
If you’re planning to make the dish ahead of time, it’s best to cook the chicken and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky. You can also reheat the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki a healthy option?
Slow cooker chicken teriyaki can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients used. Chicken is a lean protein, and the teriyaki sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, which are all relatively low in calories. However, the dish can be high in sodium, depending on the amount of soy sauce used.
To make the dish healthier, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of sugar in the teriyaki sauce. You can also add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or snow peas, to increase the nutrient content. Additionally, serving the chicken with brown rice or whole grain noodles can help to increase the fiber content of the meal.