Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is the epitome of an effortless yet incredibly flavorful meal. This simple recipe combines tender chicken, a rich bottled teriyaki sauce, and fresh, vibrant broccoli, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s an undeniable family favorite, especially when you need a delicious and satisfying dinner on those hectic weeknights without resorting to expensive takeout.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients for Success
- Step-by-Step: Making Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli
- Slow Cooker Cooking Times Explained
- Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
- How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for anyone navigating busy schedules. What makes it a standout? First, it champions convenience. With minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients, you can set it in the morning and come home to a house filled with the enticing aroma of a ready-to-eat dinner.
Beyond its ease, this dish offers incredible value. It provides a homemade teriyaki chicken experience that rivals your favorite Asian takeout, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and often healthier option for your family. The whole family, even picky eaters, will appreciate the tender chicken and the savory, slightly sweet teriyaki glaze. It’s a versatile dish that easily fits into various dietary preferences by adjusting the accompaniments.
While making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch (typically a blend of soy sauce, garlic, fresh ginger, mirin or rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar) offers a unique depth of flavor, sometimes speed is paramount. That’s precisely why this recipe embraces the practicality of bottled teriyaki sauce. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it incredibly quick, budget-friendly, and a smart choice when specialty ingredients for homemade sauce aren’t readily available.
Simple Ingredients for Success
You’ll be delighted by how few items you need for this flavorful crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe. All the core ingredients are widely available at any grocery store, making your shopping trip a breeze.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend about 2 pounds, which typically equates to 3-4 medium-sized breasts. Chicken thighs can also be used for an even more tender and juicy result. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for optimal texture and ease of shredding.
- Teriyaki Sauce (Bottled): The star of our quick sauce. Opt for a good quality bottled teriyaki sauce. Popular choices like Soy Vey teriyaki sauce or Kikkomen Takumi Teriyaki Sauce offer excellent flavor profiles. For those mindful of sodium intake, low-sodium versions are readily available and highly recommended. Feel free to use your favorite brand!
- Fresh Broccoli: You’ll need about 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and healthy dose of nutrients to the dish. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli florets can be used, but be mindful of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Optional Flavor Boosters:
While the core three ingredients deliver fantastic flavor, you can enhance your slow cooker teriyaki chicken with a few optional additions:
- Fresh Garlic and Ginger: A teaspoon each of minced fresh garlic and grated fresh ginger can elevate the sauce’s aromatic complexity, giving it an even more authentic taste.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving adds a nutty depth that complements the teriyaki beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in with the sauce.
- Brown Sugar or Honey: If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki, a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey can be added to the sauce.
Step-by-Step: Making Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli
Preparing this incredibly simple slow cooker teriyaki chicken couldn’t be easier. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the sides and bottom of your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can coat it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. If you prefer, a slow cooker liner works wonderfully here for virtually no mess.
- Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they are in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
- Pour the Teriyaki Sauce: Generously pour about 1 cup of bottled teriyaki sauce (approximately half of a standard 20-ounce bottle) over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Prepare the Broccoli (but don’t add yet!): While the chicken is cooking, you can wash and chop your fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. It’s crucial not to add the broccoli at the beginning of the cooking process, as it will become overcooked and mushy by the time the chicken is perfectly tender. Set it aside for later.
Slow Cooker Cooking Times Explained
Once your chicken and sauce are in the pot, place the lid securely on your slow cooker. The beauty of slow cooking is its flexibility:
- On Low Heat: Cook for 4-5 hours. This slower cooking method generally results in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- On High Heat: Cook for 2-3 hours. This is a great option when you’re short on time.
Regardless of the setting, the most important factor is ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to verify doneness. Keep in mind that all slow cookers vary slightly in temperature and cooking efficiency due to brand, model, and age. You might need to adjust the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour based on your specific appliance.
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, it’s time to shred it. You can do this easily with two forks right in the slow cooker, or for an even quicker method, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and use a handheld mixer on a low setting. This technique yields perfectly shredded chicken in seconds!
After shredding, if you desire a saucier dish or a stronger teriyaki flavor, now is a great time to add another splash of teriyaki sauce. This also helps to coat all the shredded chicken pieces evenly.
Finally, it’s time for the broccoli. Add the chopped broccoli florets to the slow cooker about 1 hour before you plan to serve the meal. Place them on top of the shredded chicken, allowing them to steam gently in the residual heat and sauce. Continue cooking until the broccoli is fork-tender but still retains a slight crispness and vibrant green color. This ensures your broccoli is perfectly cooked, not overdone. Once the broccoli is ready, your easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken dinner is ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: For even cooking, avoid overfilling your slow cooker. If making a larger batch, consider using a bigger slow cooker or dividing the ingredients into two smaller ones.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: The amount of teriyaki sauce is a guideline. Feel free to add more if you prefer a very saucy dish, or a bit less if you like a milder flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can easily thicken it. Remove the chicken and broccoli, then pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water). Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in a small amount of teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker if time permits.
- Meal Prep Powerhouse: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Cook a large batch, then portion it out with rice or other sides for healthy, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
This versatile slow cooker chicken teriyaki with broccoli pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to customize your meal to your liking:
- Steamed Rice: A classic choice! We love serving this over fluffy Instant Pot jasmine rice or hearty brown rice. Both complement the rich teriyaki flavor wonderfully. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works just as great.
- Noodles: Instant ramen noodles (prepare them in the microwave for ultimate ease, as shown here) or any other Asian-style noodles make for a satisfying, comforting pairing.
- Other Vegetables: Enhance your meal with additional favorite vegetables. Stir-fried snap peas, sautéed bean sprouts, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be added alongside or in place of broccoli.
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls: For a complete takeout-style experience, serve with frozen egg rolls heated up in the air fryer – super easy and crispy!
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthy grain alternative, quinoa or couscous absorb the sauce wonderfully.
To really complete the dish and add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor, consider garnishing your slow cooker teriyaki chicken with some sliced green onions (scallions) and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. These small touches make a big difference!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the many advantages of this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and improve overnight!
- Freezing: The cooked teriyaki chicken (without the broccoli, as broccoli can become mushy upon thawing) freezes beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For quick reheating, the microwave is your best friend. Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in 60-90 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottled teriyaki sauces vary widely, so don’t hesitate to customize! If you desire a sweeter sauce, stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. For an extra aromatic kick, add fresh or ground garlic and ginger. Pineapple tidbits can introduce natural sweetness and a subtle tang. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes will do the trick.
If your teriyaki sauce is thinner than you’d like, a cornstarch slurry is the perfect solution. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water until a smooth paste forms. Once your slow cooker meal is nearly done (or after transferring the sauce to a saucepan), stir this slurry into the bubbling sauce. Continue to stir gently as the sauce will visibly thicken within a few minutes of cooking.
While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking and optimal food safety, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Be aware that this will significantly increase the cooking time, often by 2-4 hours on the low setting. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer before shredding and serving.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Great additions include sliced bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even chopped bok choy. Similar to broccoli, add most other vegetables during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender-crisp and not overcooked.
Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
10 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 10 minutes
8
Equipment
-
1 Crock-Pot (6-7 quart)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless skinless, about 2 pounds
- 2 cups low sodium teriyaki sauce from a 20 ounce bottle
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
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Spray a 6-7 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or coat with olive oil.
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Place chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Pour 1 cup of teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
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Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit according to a meat thermometer.
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Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then add another cup of teriyaki sauce and the broccoli florets.
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Cover and cook for another 30 to 60 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender. Serve immediately with additional teriyaki sauce if desired.
Notes
Total cook times can vary significantly depending on the brand and model of your slow cooker, as well as the exact weight and thickness of the chicken you are using. Always check internal temperature for doneness.
Nutrition
Calories: 136kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 13g
,
Protein: 17g
,
Fat: 2g
,
Saturated Fat: 0.3g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
,
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g
,
Trans Fat: 0.01g
,
Cholesterol: 36mg
,
Sodium: 834mg
,
Potassium: 443mg
,
Fiber: 1g
,
Sugar: 11g
,
Vitamin A: 159IU
,
Vitamin C: 21mg
,
Calcium: 32mg
,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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We truly hope you and your family love this crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe as much as we do. It’s an exceptional dish for busy weeknights and an absolute dream for meal prepping. If you enjoy this, why not try our equally delicious slow cooker teriyaki beef version next?
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