Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

There’s something magical about a slow-cooked dish that fills your home with alluring aromas, and that’s exactly what happens when you prepare Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki. I remember the first time I made it; the warm scent of savory teriyaki sauce wafted through the kitchen, welcoming everyone to the table. It was a chilly fall evening, and I was looking for a meal that not only satisfied hunger but also wrapped us in comfort. This dish became an instant family favorite, bringing smiles and contentment every time it graced our dinner table.

As the chicken simmers away, every piece becomes infused with the rich flavors that only a crock pot can deliver. The chicken melts in your mouth, complemented by the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli rabe. I’ve even had friends request this meal during potluck gatherings—it’s just that good! Plus, the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just set it and forget it, allowing the magic to unfold!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is the ideal choice. I often serve it over fluffy brown rice, which perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish. So, if you’re looking to impress your loved ones with minimal effort, grab your crock pot and let’s get started!

Main Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

When it comes to cooking, the ingredients you choose can truly make or break a dish. In Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki, we use a delightful combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. The main players here are the tender chicken, which cooks to perfection in the slow cooker, and the vibrant broccoli rabe, which adds a lovely crunch and nutrition. Together, they create a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or olive oil): A healthy fat that helps sauté the flavors at the beginning.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuses the meal with aromatic goodness.
• 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing protein and tenderness.
• 1 cup of Paleo Teriyaki Sauce: This homemade sauce is the key to that rich flavor.
• 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth: Ensures moisture and enhances the overall taste.
• 1/2 bunch of Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe, chopped: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight bitterness that pairs well with the sauce.
• 1 cup of coconut aminos: A great soy sauce alternative that’s gluten-free.
• 1/4 cup of cider vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup of orange juice: Adds a fruity note and enhances the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1/3 cup of honey (or pure maple syrup): Balances out the savory with a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, peeled and grated: A pungent spice that brightens the flavor.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced: Adding more garlic for extra flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes: Gives a hint of spice to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon of tapioca flour, optional: Can be used for thickening the sauce.
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa: To serve alongside the chicken, providing a hearty base.
• 1 bunch of green onion, chopped: For garnish and added flavor.
• 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds: A lovely finishing touch with a nutty flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

The cooking process for Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is as easy as it gets! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will impress everyone. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive in!

1. Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a blender, add all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce, including the honey, coconut aminos, cider vinegar, orange juice, and fresh ginger. Blend until smooth. Set aside one cup of this sauce for later use and pour the rest into a saucepan.
2. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the teriyaki sauce to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer the thickened sauce to a jar, refrigerating until ready to serve.
3. In a medium non-stick skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they start turning brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant, adding depth to the dish.
4. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Once done, transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into your crock pot.
5. Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the sautéed onions in the crock pot. Pour the reserved cup of teriyaki sauce along with the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Gently stir to combine the sauce and broth, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
6. Cover the crock pot and set it to the lowest setting. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and leave the juices in the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then return it to the crock pot.
8. Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the crock pot, cover it, and cook for an additional hour. This will ensure the broccoli rabe becomes tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
9. When ready to serve, ladle the Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Garnish with the chopped green onion and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce to finish and enjoy!

Helpful Notes about Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

As with any recipe, there are always a few helpful tips to ensure your Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki turns out perfectly. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. To freeze, portion it into containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
• Scaling down: If you’re cooking for fewer people, you can easily halve the ingredients while keeping the cooking time the same.
• Vegetarian option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

What to Pair With Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Pairing is everything when it comes to making a meal complete. Here are some fantastic ideas for what to serve alongside your Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki:

• Brown Rice: The nutty flavor of brown rice complements the sweet notes of the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free grain, quinoa is a great alternative that also adds protein.
• Steamed Vegetables: Consider serving with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots to enhance the overall nutrition.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Spring Rolls: For an Asian-inspired meal, serve with fresh spring rolls as an appetizer.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the fall, consider adding some roasted sweet potatoes for a delightful seasonal twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. The ease of preparation combined with the delicious results makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and tasty meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your family gatherings or weekday dinners.

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

The ultimate comfort food, Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is a blend of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli rabe, slow-cooked in a luscious teriyaki sauce. This easy weeknight meal is both flavorful and healthy, perfect for satisfying cravings. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Paleo Teriyaki Sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 bunch Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe, chopped
• 1 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour, optional
• cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Saucepan
• Blender
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a blender, add all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce, including the honey, coconut aminos, cider vinegar, orange juice, and fresh ginger. Blend until smooth. Set aside one cup of this sauce for later use and pour the rest into a saucepan.
2. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the teriyaki sauce to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer the thickened sauce to a jar, refrigerating until ready to serve.
3. In a medium non-stick skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they start turning brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant, adding depth to the dish.
4. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Once done, transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into your crock pot.
5. Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the sautéed onions in the crock pot. Pour the reserved cup of teriyaki sauce along with the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Gently stir to combine the sauce and broth, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
6. Cover the crock pot and set it to the lowest setting. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and leave the juices in the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then return it to the crock pot.
8. Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the crock pot, cover it, and cook for an additional hour. This will ensure the broccoli rabe becomes tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
9. When ready to serve, ladle the Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Garnish with the chopped green onion and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce to finish and enjoy!

Notes

Notes

• Scaling down: You can scale this recipe back and use only 1 or 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you do so, use slightly less teriyaki sauce.
• Store-bought sauce: You can also use store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce of choice. I recommend using Coconut Secret Teriyaki Sauce, because it is soy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
• Measurement: 1/2 a bunch of Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe will measure to about 4 cups when chopped.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.