Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the savory notes of the teriyaki sauce while remaining tender and juicy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful mix of creamy and savory flavors
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Perfectly tender chicken cooked to perfection
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is the ideal solution for busy weeknights. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and walk away. This dish requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on your family or other tasks while dinner cooks itself. The combination of succulent chicken and a delectable sauce makes it a meal everyone will look forward to.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also produces a hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. The flavors meld beautifully over the hours, resulting in chicken that is flavorful and tender. Plus, you can easily double the ingredients to make enough for leftovers or to feed a crowd!
Customizing Your Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe serves as a fantastic base that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal that's full of color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding heartier vegetables.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can enhance the flavor with a dash of sesame oil or a splash of rice vinegar for added tanginess. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique dish every time!
Serving Suggestions
To make this meal even more satisfying, serve your Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. This will soak up the delicious sauce and provide a hearty base for your dish. For a low-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Don't forget to garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This not only adds a touch of visual appeal but also enhances the flavor and texture. A simple side salad or some pickled vegetables can complement your meal beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to your plate.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your dish:
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, coconut milk, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
Slow Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking, mix cornstarch with a bit of water, and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
Serve
Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Storage Tips
Leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving, ensuring you maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
This Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is not just delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, providing essential amino acids that help in muscle building and repair. The addition of coconut milk offers healthy fats, which can be beneficial for heart health and energy.
The garlic and ginger not only add flavor but also contribute to your immune health. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your overall wellness. By incorporating this recipe into your meal rotation, you’re not only enjoying a tasty dish but also nourishing your body!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may be less juicy.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Creamy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, coconut milk, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking, mix cornstarch with a bit of water, and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 38g