Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens—no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

There’s something so satisfying about walking into a home filled with the aroma of a delicious, slow-cooked meal. A few years ago, I discovered the joy of using a slow cooker, and it changed the way I prepare weeknight dinners. One of my favorite go-to recipes is this dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken. With just a handful of ingredients, I transform humble chicken into a flavorful dish that my whole family loves.

This recipe offers convenience without sacrificing taste. Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you tackle other tasks or simply enjoy some downtime. The result is tender, juicy chicken coated in a savory teriyaki sauce that you can serve over rice or customize with your favorite veggies. Experience this ultimate mealtime solution that keeps dinner flavorful and fuss-free.

Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

You don’t need to be a culinary expert to make this tasty teriyaki chicken. The first step is gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They provide the perfect base for this dish, soaking up all the flavors while cooking.

Prepare your slow cooker by placing it on a sturdy surface and ensuring it’s plugged in. Take a moment to gather all your other ingredients, including soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh garlic. Make sure you have everything ready; this makes your cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Ingredients

For this wonderful dish, assemble the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 cups broccoli florets (optional)
• 1 cup diced pineapple (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
• 4 cups cooked rice for serving

This array of flavors will create a delightful teriyaki sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

Directions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Begin by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. This sauce ties the dish together beautifully.

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. During this time, the slow cooker works its magic, allowing the chicken to absorb all the flavor.

When the cooking time elapses, take a fork and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and, if using broccoli or pineapple, add them now. Turn the heat to HIGH and let the sauce thicken for about 15 minutes. Finally, return the shredded chicken to the pot, ensuring it is well mixed into the delicious teriyaki sauce.

Refined Techniques for Teriyaki Chicken

Technique

Using a slow cooker simplifies meal prep, especially for this teriyaki chicken. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for additional flavor and tenderness.

Aim to shred the chicken after cooking when it’s still warm. This process allows the meat to pull apart easily, resulting in succulent pieces ready to soak in all the sauce. Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before serving; adjusting it according to your preference is encouraged, whether adding more sweetness or saltiness.

Tips/tricks

Preparation is key to mastering this recipe. For added dimension, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before placing it in the slow cooker. This extra step deepens the flavors. If you plan to add vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

For streamlined cooking, line the slow cooker with a liner for easy cleanup. You can also double the recipe for meal prep, storing leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

Perfecting Your Teriyaki Experience

Perfecting results

Getting perfect results every time comes down to how you treat your chicken. Always ensure you check the doneness of the meat before shredding. You want it fully cooked but not dry. If using frozen chicken, expect to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken usually takes longer.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with various ingredients. Adding bell peppers or snap peas instead of broccoli can create a unique twist. Furthermore, using fresh pineapple can kick up the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting/variations

Should your dish turn out thicker than expected, simply add a splash of water to thin the sauce. Conversely, if it appears too thin, let it cook longer on HIGH to achieve the desired consistency.

Feel free to customize the vegetables as per season or preference. A mixture of crunchy veggies can add texture, while cooked rice serves as the ideal companion for this savory creation.

Serving and Presentation

Serving presentation

Serving teriyaki chicken can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you want. Present the dish over a generous portion of cooked rice, allowing the sauce to cascade down the chicken. This creates a beautiful visual while capturing the delicious flavors.

Top each serving with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes add a decorative touch and enhance the taste with a bit of crunch and freshness.

Pairings/storage

Pair this lovely teriyaki chicken with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. While rice remains the star, consider a side of crispy salad to lighten the meal. Storage is simple; keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water to maintain moisture. Enjoy the deliciousness of this dish all week long!

Conclusion

Dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken epitomizes convenience without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are cooking for your family or a gathering, this dish impresses with its savory and sweet profile. With an easy setup, delightful cooking process, and satisfying outcome, it remains a staple in any busy home kitchen. Embrace the art of slow cooking and allow yourself to enjoy the delightful aroma of teriyaki chicken wafting through your home.

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