Slow cooker chicken teriyaki

Are you looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than slow cooker chicken teriyaki! This dish combines tender chicken with a savory and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s made entirely in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making slow cooker chicken teriyaki, as well as provide some helpful tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those watching their carb intake.

Ingredients:

For this slow cooker chicken teriyaki recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
2. Place the chopped chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in warm water to create a slurry.
5. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce, mixing well to combine.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the chicken teriyaki.
8. Serve the chicken teriyaki hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, or pineapple chunks to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch used in the recipe or simmer the sauce on the stovetop after removing it from the slow cooker.
• To add a spicy kick to your chicken teriyaki, try stirring in some sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste.
• For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can adapt this recipe:

• Substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
• Serve the chicken teriyaki over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce and chop the chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine the sauce and chicken in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions as directed.

In conclusion, slow cooker chicken teriyaki is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an easy dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So dust off your slow cooker and give this tasty teriyaki chicken a try – you won’t be disappointed!