Prepare to be transported to a realm of delectable simplicity with our Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice. This one-pot wonder effortlessly marries the savory goodness of tender chicken with the sweet and tangy allure of teriyaki sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Join us on a culinary journey as we guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece that promises to make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Ingredients: For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or a sugar substitute for keto/low carb versions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for keto/low carb versions)
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Rice:
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Teriyaki Magic – Creating the Sauce In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar substitute), minced garlic, and grated ginger. This flavorful concoction forms the base of our teriyaki sauce.
Step 2: Crock Pot Symphony – A Slow Cooker’s Embrace Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the magic unfold for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the teriyaki goodness.
Step 3: Rice Elegance – A Bed of Fluffiness As the chicken cooks, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and butter in a separate pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 4: Culinary Union – Bringing It All Together Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Step 5: Presentation Perfection – Garnish and Serve Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Cook Notes:
- To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the amount of honey or sugar substitute to suit your taste.
- Keep an eye on the rice while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Variations:
- Pineapple Paradise: Add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
- Veggie Extravaganza: Toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy Fusion: Infuse heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
Keto Versions:
- Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener or omit it entirely.
- Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or xanthan gum for thickening.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over cauliflower rice or a keto-friendly rice substitute.
Low Carb Versions:
- Use a low-carb sweetener in place of honey or omit it altogether.
- Choose a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum or glucomannan.
- Opt for cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
As you savor each forkful of Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, bask in the simplicity and depth of flavors that have effortlessly melded together. This dish is more than a meal; it’s a testament to the ease and brilliance of slow cooking, a reminder that a few quality ingredients can result in culinary perfection.
May this recipe become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to for busy days and comforting nights. Share the joy of Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice with loved ones, and witness how the allure of slow-cooked simplicity can become a cherished tradition in your culinary repertoire. In every variation and adaptation, may the essence of culinary magic prevail, making this dish a timeless classic in your home.
