Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or easy meal prep. This dish brings together tender chicken coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce that serves as a wonderful base for a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it over rice, alongside veggies, or in wraps, this recipe is versatile and satisfies everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 5–10 minutes of prep time, you can walk away while it cooks.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a rich teriyaki flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal Options: Enjoy it on rice, in wraps, or even as a salad topping—this dish adapts to your preferences.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in one crockpot for easy cleanup and minimal fuss.

Tools and Preparation

To make Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of your dish—cooking low and slow ensures tender chicken that easily shreds.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk or fork: Useful for blending sauces smoothly before pouring them over the chicken.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for prepping vegetables and cutting cooked chicken.

Ingredients

Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
Servings: 4

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (≈2 lbs) – thighs work too!

For the Sauce

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos for GF)
• ¼ cup honey (maple syrup or agave for vegan)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider/white grape juice vinegar)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)

For Thickening

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

To Serve

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Vegetables: broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas

How to Make Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place chicken in the crockpot in a single layer.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until combined.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Pour sauce over chicken.
2. Lightly stir to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from the crockpot.
2. Shred with two forks or slice into pieces if preferred.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the crockpot.
3. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 minutes until glossy and thick.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

1. Return shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat evenly before serving with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is sure to be a hit at any meal! Enjoy its delicious flavors while keeping things simple in your kitchen.

How to Serve Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken can be both simple and delightful. This dish pairs well with various sides, enhancing its flavors and making a complete meal.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: Offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber for a healthier option.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that provides a light base for the chicken.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh, crunchy wraps filled with chicken and veggies.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread some teriyaki sauce on tortillas and add shredded chicken for a quick meal.

On Salads

• Asian-Inspired Salad: Toss mixed greens, shredded carrots, and cucumbers with teriyaki chicken for a refreshing dish.
• Coleslaw: Add shredded chicken to coleslaw for a crunchy, flavorful combination.

Topped with Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Veggies: Serve the chicken alongside or on top of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
• Grilled Pineapple: Add grilled pineapple slices for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

How to Perfect Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

To ensure your Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey or sugar based on your taste preferences. More honey will add sweetness while balancing flavors.
• Cook Time Matters: Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot model. Check for tenderness after 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH.
• Thicken Sauce Wisely: Create a cornstarch slurry before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps. This helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• Add Veggies Early: For tender veggies, add them in the last hour of cooking. This ensures they are cooked but still vibrant.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken elevates your meal experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while complementing the dish’s flavors.
2. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with diced vegetables is both filling and nutritious.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a deliciously sweet contrast that works well with teriyaki sauce.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing gives a crisp balance to the meal.
5. Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice mixed with vegetables makes for a hearty side that matches perfectly with teriyaki flavors.
6. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic offer another layer of texture and taste.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be a comforting addition alongside teriyaki chicken.
8. Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad tossed in sesame dressing complements the rich flavor of the chicken nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure delicious results.

• Bold phrase: Using too much sodium. Reducing the soy sauce or opting for low-sodium varieties can help prevent an overly salty dish.
• Bold phrase: Not searing the chicken first. While this recipe is dump and go, briefly browning the chicken enhances flavor. Consider a quick pan-sear before adding it to the crockpot.
• Bold phrase: Skipping the thickening step. For a rich sauce, don’t forget to use cornstarch mixed with water at the end of cooking; this gives your teriyaki sauce a glossy finish.
• Bold phrase: Overcrowding the crockpot. Ensure chicken pieces are in a single layer for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring vegetable prep time. If adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, chop them into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb while following the same recipe steps.

How can I customize my Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or different sauces to suit your taste preferences!

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to balance out the flavors of the teriyaki chicken.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes great reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a flavorful meal that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle!