Coming home after a long day is always better with a yummy smell in the kitchen. My crockpot makes this happen. A few years ago, I found easy crockpot recipes for busy nights. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts was the first, and it’s a hit with my family.
It only takes 10 minutes to prepare. Then, I just forget about it while I do other things. When dinner time comes, the chicken is tender and full of flavor. My family loves it.
Why Choose Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts?
Choosing Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts is a smart choice for a healthy meal. It feeds 4 to 6 people, great for family dinners or meal prep. It’s full of good stuff like chicken, garlic, and ginger.
The slow cooking makes the dish tender and rich. It’s perfect for those looking for an easy dinner.
This recipe is both filling and healthy. It has about 304 calories and less than 27 grams of carbs. It’s a balanced meal with tasty flavors.
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is best. They add protein to the teriyaki sauce.
Preparation takes just 10 minutes. Cooking time is 4 to 8 hours, depending on the setting. This lets you cook it when you want.
Choosing low-sodium soy sauce helps keep it heart-healthy. It’s easy to make without a lot of effort.
Using honey or sugar substitutes keeps carbs low. It’s full of flavor. Adding veggies like broccoli and bell peppers makes it even better.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 304 |
| Total Fat | 6.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 24.3 g |
| Protein | 31.9 g |
| Sodium | 1314.1 mg |
Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts
Getting the right ingredients is key for Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts. I use 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. Low-sodium soy sauce adds the right amount of saltiness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1.5 lbs |
| Minced Garlic | 2 teaspoons |
| Minced Ginger | 2 teaspoons |
| Low-Sodium Soy Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Optional Toppings | Sesame Seeds, Green Onions |
This mix boosts the flavors and adds a nice balance. I also add veggies like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition. Cooking time is 6 to 8 hours on low heat for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking
Getting ready for your easy crockpot chicken dinner is simple. Start by putting 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is spread out for even cooking.
In a bowl, mix ⅓ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of honey, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Pour this mix over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well. Then, set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, based on your schedule.
After cooking, check if the chicken is done. It should be 165°F (75°C) inside. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook for 10-15 more minutes.
Put the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker to soak up the sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles. Add optional toppings like sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This easy crockpot chicken dinner is great for a family meal!
How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
I love making a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce. It makes my crockpot teriyaki chicken even better. In just five minutes, I can mix up a fresh batch. It tastes much better than store-bought sauce.
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey (approximately 113 g)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry)
I mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a saucepan. I heat it over medium heat until it simmers. Then, I make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water.
I stir the slurry into the sauce. Cooking it until it thickens makes it taste even better. It becomes rich and glossy.
Making my own teriyaki sauce is good for my health. It lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. I can make it ahead of time for future meals.
For the best taste, I add the sauce to the chicken in the last hour. This way, the sauce stays fresh and the chicken gets tender.
With my homemade teriyaki sauce, dinner is easy and delicious!
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts: A Healthy Dinner Option
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts are a great healthy meal. They mix easy cooking with good nutrition. You need boneless, skinless chicken and low-sodium soy sauce.
This recipe makes six servings, perfect for family or meal prep. It’s quick to prepare, just 10 minutes. Cooking times are 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Frozen chicken needs two extra hours.
Each serving has about 296 calories, with 34 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat. The mix of honey and soy sauce adds flavor. Fresh ginger makes it taste better and is good for you.
This dish fits many diets well. It stays fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days or can be frozen for three months. Making it ahead saves time and lets the flavors blend, great for busy nights.
| Nutritional Information Per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 296 |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg |
| Sodium | 944 mg |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Total Sugar | 21 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 45 IU |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Using Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts
Using leftover crockpot teriyaki chicken is a great idea. The flavors get better after it simmers. There are many ways to use it in meal prep.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy those leftovers:
- Tacos: Shred the chicken and pile it onto tortillas with toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese. It makes for a quick and flavorful dinner.
- Salads: Chop the chicken and toss it over a bed of leafy greens, adding your favorite veggies and a drizzle of dressing. This creates a light yet satisfying meal.
- Stir-fries: Combine the chicken with a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli for a quick stir-fry. Using leftover crockpot teriyaki chicken saves time and packs in flavor.
- Wraps: Use the chicken in wraps with crunchy vegetables and your choice of sauce. This makes for a portable lunch option.
These ideas are not only tasty but also help with meal planning. Leftover crockpot teriyaki chicken can make any dish better. It can stay in the fridge for up to four days or be frozen for three months. This means I always have something tasty ready.
Tips for Preparing Easy Crockpot Recipes
Making tasty meals in a crockpot is easy with some tips. Knowing about cooking times, layering, and picking ingredients is key. These tips help me cook better and enjoy it more.
First, think about cooking times. Most recipes need long hours, so plan early. For example, some dishes cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 5 hours on high. Always check the food’s internal temperature, like chicken, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moisture is important too. It keeps your meal from drying out and cooks evenly. Start with longer-cooking ingredients at the bottom. Too much in the crockpot can mess up the cooking.
- Use only fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Consider using frozen veggies or pre-cut chicken for convenience.
- Season thoughtfully; flavors tend to intensify as the dish cooks.
- Experiment with optional spices or toppings to enhance the final dish.
Learning from each meal is important. I always think about what worked and what didn’t. This helps make my next meal even better. By following these tips, my crockpot becomes a trusted friend for easy meals.
Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken
There are many ways to serve teriyaki chicken. I like to serve it over rice or quinoa. This makes the dish even better and adds a nice texture.
This recipe makes enough for 4-6 people. It’s great for family dinners or parties.
Adding steamed veggies like broccoli and bell peppers is a good idea. They make the dish look good and are healthy. You can also shred the chicken and put it in sandwiches. This makes the dish fun and tasty.
Here are more ideas to make your meal better:
- Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
- Pair with a side salad to complement the savory chicken.
- Serve with kimchi or pickled vegetables for an extra zing.
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for a week or freeze them for months. Just thaw them in the fridge or in warm water. This makes it easy to have this tasty chicken whenever you want.
Meal Prep Ideas with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Using slow cooker teriyaki chicken for meal prep makes dinner easy and tasty. I prep the chicken early, so I have meals ready for the week. This saves me stress on busy nights.
I cook 1.5 pounds of chicken in the slow cooker for 4 hours on low. Then, I shred it and store it in containers. This way, I can enjoy it for four days, perfect for quick meals.
Here are some simple dinner ideas with teriyaki chicken:
- Serve it over brown rice or quinoa.
- Mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
- Create a lettuce wrap with chicken and veggies.
- Make a bowl with chicken, avocado, and sesame seeds.
I also prep healthy sides like roasted veggies or salads. This makes finishing my meals quick after a long day.
The table below shows the nutrition for each serving of my slow cooker teriyaki chicken. It’s good for you!
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 187 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sodium | 868 mg |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
This method keeps my diet healthy and offers many simple dinner ideas. It makes every meal feel new and delicious. Meal prep with slow cooker teriyaki chicken saves time and ensures tasty, healthy meals.
Why Slow Cooker Recipes are Perfect for Busy Nights
Evenings can get really busy. That’s when I turn to slow cooker recipes. They’re super easy to make. Just a few minutes of prep and I’m done.
Teriyaki chicken is a great example. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to prepare. That’s quicker than getting takeout.
Slow cookers are super flexible. You can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. This fits perfectly into my busy schedule. And the result? Delicious, tender chicken for the whole family.
Healthy eating is important to me. This meal is full of nutrients. Each serving has 455 calories, 51 grams of protein, and just 6 grams of fat. You can add brown rice, soba noodles, or steamed veggies to make it even healthier.
Leftovers are a big plus with slow cookers. I can keep teriyaki chicken in the fridge for 3 days or freeze it for 3 months. This makes meal prep a breeze. In just 10 minutes, I can make enough for 4 to 6 people. Slow cooker recipes are always a hit, whether it’s a quick dinner or a tasty leftover.
Variations of Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts
Trying different ways to make crockpot teriyaki chicken breasts can make your meals better. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier taste. Just use the same marinade and cooking time for great results.
Adding veggies to the slow cooker is another fun idea. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots in the last hour. They add flavor and nutrients to your dish.
Want to try something new? Mix in crushed pineapple for a sweet twist or sriracha for a spicy kick. Each change makes the dish exciting and fun to eat.
For a lighter meal, use boneless skinless chicken breasts. They go well with many sides, letting you get creative. Here’s a quick comparison table that highlights these variations:
| Variation | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Boneless skinless chicken thighs | Juicy and savory |
| Vegetable Medley | Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots | Crisp and colorful |
| Pineapple Teriyaki | Crushed pineapple | Sweet and tangy |
| Spicy Sriracha | Sriracha sauce | Spicy kick |
With these changes, crockpot teriyaki chicken breasts become even more exciting. Each new way to make it brings something special to the table. It’s perfect for any night, catering to all tastes.
What to Pair with Your Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
Enjoying Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Breasts is better with the right sides. Over 20 sides go well with this tasty chicken. Fried Rice or Cauliflower Fried Rice are quick and delicious.
They add flavor and nutrition to your meal. Serving Steamed White Rice, jasmine, or sushi rice adds a special touch. Vegetable Rice Pilaf and Zucchini Fried Rice add fresh veggies.
For a crunchy side, try an Asian Slaw with peanuts. It’s a great choice. You can also add colorful veggies to your dinner for fun.
Don’t forget drinks! A chilled sake or light Asian beer can make your meal even better. These pairings make my meals tasty and fun to make at home.
