This slow cooker teriyaki chicken and vegetables recipe offers a delicious and effortless meal perfect for busy weeknights. You will love how simple it is to prepare, delivering tender chicken and vibrant vegetables coated in a savory, sweet teriyaki sauce, making it one of your go-to slow cooker dinner recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Choose a good quality store-bought sauce for convenience, or you can make your own.
- Broccoli Florets: Use other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or sliced bell peppers.
- Carrots: Sliced zucchini or green beans are great alternatives.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into rounds
Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: Slow cooker, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chicken broth until smooth. This creates your flavorful base for one of your favorite slow cooker dinner recipes.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb the delicious teriyaki flavors.
4. Add Vegetables
Stir in the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Re-cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes on LOW or HIGH until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, stir everything gently. Serve your slow cooker teriyaki chicken and vegetables over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like.
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Include pineapple chunks for a sweeter, tangy twist.
- Use a mix of different vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover slow cooker teriyaki chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken directly into your slow cooker. It will cook thoroughly and safely.
Can you freeze slow cooker teriyaki chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
What can you serve with slow cooker teriyaki chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side salad.
Do you need to brown the chicken first?
No, you do not need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for this recipe. This helps keep it simple and perfect for busy slow cooker dinner recipes.
How do you thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch in the recipe helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water at the end of the cooking time and stir well.
Can you make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the chicken and vegetables the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine in the slow cooker in the morning.