The combination of juicy chicken cooked in a rich, savory teriyaki sauce over a bed of fluffy rice makes for the ultimate comfort food. The chicken is tender and packed with flavor, while the rice absorbs all the delicious sauce for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both simple and full of flavor. It’s easily customizable with your favorite veggies or even served with a side of steamed broccoli to complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping meals for the week, this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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1 cup teriyaki sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/2 cup water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
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In a separate bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, water, ginger, and garlic powder.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
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Stir the uncooked rice into the slow cooker with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
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In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir until it thickens.
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Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice and sauce.
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Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to the Dish
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a deliciously easy dish perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a savory dish where the sweet and tangy notes of teriyaki sauce complement the tender chicken and fluffy rice. The addition of pineapple provides a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the sauce while making the dish more vibrant and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving a quick dinner, this recipe is bound to become a go-to option in your meal rotation.
Why Slow Cooker Recipes Are So Popular
Slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice have surged in popularity due to their convenience. One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the minimal effort involved in preparation. Simply throw the ingredients in, set the cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on other tasks. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, making it a great way to prepare a meal with deep, developed tastes without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional with a hectic schedule, or someone who enjoys cooking in bulk, slow-cooked meals are a lifesaver.
The Rich Flavor Profile of Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki sauce is at the heart of this dish, and it’s what gives the chicken its distinct flavor. Traditionally, teriyaki sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, creating a balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. In this recipe, the sauce is enriched with ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, creating a sweet-and-savory sauce that is both tangy and aromatic. The chicken, once marinated in the sauce, becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all of the flavors, while the pineapple chunks add a refreshing sweetness to counterbalance the savory elements.
The rice in this recipe plays an equally important role, as it absorbs all the sauce’s goodness during the cooking process, resulting in a comforting, flavorful base for the dish. Unlike plain white rice, which can sometimes be bland, this rice becomes infused with the rich teriyaki sauce, making every bite delightful. The texture of the rice—light, fluffy, and slightly sticky—holds the sauce perfectly, adding a satisfying layer to each mouthful.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
While Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is undoubtedly flavorful, it also offers some health benefits. Chicken thighs, used in this recipe, are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. The teriyaki sauce, while savory and tangy, is also a source of antioxidants, especially when enriched with ginger. Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in digestion, making it a great addition to the recipe.
Additionally, the inclusion of pineapple adds nutritional value. Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation. This tropical fruit’s natural sweetness also helps cut down on the need for excess sugar, providing a healthier alternative to processed sweeteners. The rice used in this dish is also a good source of energy and carbohydrates, making this recipe a well-rounded meal that provides long-lasting fuel.
Customizing Your Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
One of the best things about slow cooker recipes is their versatility. You can easily adapt this dish based on dietary preferences, availability of ingredients, or personal taste. If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you could swap the white rice for cauliflower rice, which will still absorb the teriyaki sauce but with fewer calories and carbs.
For a more colorful and nutrient-packed dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. These vegetables will not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also boost its vitamin content. You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. This simple swap ensures that the dish stays gluten-free while maintaining the rich umami flavor of the soy sauce.
If you prefer a spicier kick to your teriyaki chicken, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can take the flavor to a whole new level. Whether you stick with the original ingredients or experiment with variations, this recipe allows for endless creativity.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is an excellent choice for meal prep. The dish keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for busy people who want to have a nutritious, homemade meal ready to go. You can easily store the dish in airtight containers and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It also reheats beautifully, with the rice retaining its flavor and texture even after being stored in the fridge.
In addition to being a great meal prep option, this dish is also ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook a complicated dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients and the slow cooker method means you can come home to a meal that is both comforting and filling without much effort.
Nutritional Breakdown
While Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a hearty meal, it’s also balanced in terms of nutrients. A typical serving provides a good amount of protein thanks to the chicken, as well as carbohydrates from the rice. With around 440 calories per serving, it’s an appropriate meal for those looking to maintain or lose weight without feeling deprived. The dish is also relatively low in sodium, although you may want to adjust the soy sauce if you’re on a low-sodium diet.
The dish contains about 14g of fat, with 4g being saturated fat. While this is not excessive, it’s important to keep in mind the fat content if you’re watching your intake. The rice adds some carbs to the dish, which are broken down into sugar for energy, while the pineapple adds natural sugars that bring a touch of sweetness to balance the savory chicken and sauce.
Conclusion
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of rich flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice that’s infused with the savory goodness of teriyaki sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an easy, no-fuss dinner solution without compromising on taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving a comforting dish, this slow cooker favorite checks all the boxes. With endless ways to customize it, you can make this recipe your own while still enjoying the essence of the original dish. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine from the comfort of your own home, all with minimal effort!