Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Quick Benefits
- Effortless Meal Prep: Set it and forget it—your slow cooker does all the work!
- Family-Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors everyone will love.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Meal Prep Win: Great for leftovers and lunchboxes.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation Steps
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
- Add the Chicken: Toss the diced chicken into the sauce until well-coated.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the mixture to your Crock-Pot. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked rice and drizzle with extra sauce.
Health Benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.
- Garlic Boost: Garlic offers immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Homemade Sauce: By making your own teriyaki-style sauce, you can control sodium and sugar content better than with store-bought versions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory-sweet sauce.
- Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for added nutrition and crunch.
- For a lighter option, try lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Pineapple Twist: Toss in some pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a tropical flair.
- Noodle Bowl: Serve over soba or ramen noodles for a fun twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Pro Tips
- Use Chicken Thighs: For extra tenderness and flavor, substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs.
- Double the Sauce: Want extra sauciness for rice or veggies? Double the sauce ingredients!
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the Crock-Pot during the last 15–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken first for food safety and even cooking.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
A: Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick-release and serve.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the Crock-Pot?
A: Yes—add hearty veggies like carrots or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to avoid over-softening.
Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki
This Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a delicious, hands-off meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce with garlic and brown sugar. Perfectly paired with rice or veggies, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prep and even easier to love. Great for meal prepping or a cozy dinner night!
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
1 lbs chicken, diced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
Combine the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
Add the diced chicken to the sauce and toss everything well to coat the chicken.
Pour the chicken mixture into your Crock-Pot.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serve the chicken over hot cooked rice and spoon extra sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on Low)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~310 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings and ingredients used)
