If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both incredibly tasty and effortless to prepare, Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution! With its mouthwatering blend of sweet teriyaki sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Its vibrant appearance makes it a fantastic choice for casual family meals or special gatherings where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Imagine the aroma filling your home as this dish simmers away, creating a sensory experience that will have everyone eagerly awaiting mealtime. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to create this delightful meal, from the fresh ingredients needed to cooking tips and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this simple yet impressive recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This dish features wholesome ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.
- Ease of Preparation: Simply dump the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work!
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced meal option.
- Versatility: Customize the veggies or serve it over rice or noodles for variety.
- Presentation: The colorful mix makes for an eye-catching plate that’s sure to impress.
You’re going to love how easy this dish is to prepare!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start by selecting the right ingredients for this flavorful dish: 2 lbs chicken breast, 1 cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon ginger (grated), 1 cup bell peppers (sliced), 1 cup broccoli florets, salt and pepper to taste, and cooked rice or noodles for serving.
Main Protein
- What to use: Chicken breast is the primary protein in this recipe due to its tenderness and ability to soak up flavors.
- Preparation: Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, boneless skinless thighs or tofu can work well.
- Tips: Ensure the chicken is not frozen to allow for even cooking.
Starch/Pasta
- What to use: Cooked rice or noodles are perfect for serving with this chicken.
- Preparation: Cook according to package instructions before serving.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be excellent choices.
- Tips: Use the starch of your choice as a base to soak up the delicious sauce.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- What to use: Teriyaki sauce and honey create a delightful mixture of sweet and savory.
- Preparation: Simply mix them into the crockpot along with the chicken.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, soy sauce with a little brown sugar can work.
- Tips: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey for sweetness.
Liquids/Dairy
- What to use: Use teriyaki sauce as the main liquid ingredient for full flavor.
- Preparation: Add it directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, a homemade teriyaki sauce can be easily made with soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
- Tips: Make sure to coat the chicken well with the sauce.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- What to use: Bell peppers and broccoli add color and crunch.
- Preparation: Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for alternatives, snap peas or carrots can also work well.
- Tips: Add the vegetables halfway through cooking for more texture.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- What to use: Sesame seeds or green onions make great finishing touches.
- Preparation: Sprinkle on just before serving for freshness.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, chopped nuts can add a nice crunch.
- Tips: These finishes enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3! Simply toss everything in your crockpot for a meal that cooks itself.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients, including the chicken and vegetables.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the 2 lbs of chicken breast into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb enough flavor.
Step 3: Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot
In your crockpot, place the chicken pieces first. Then, pour in 1 cup teriyaki sauce, followed by 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger.
Step 4: Mix in the Vegetables
Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of broccoli florets on top of the chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Set Your Crockpot
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Make sure to stir halfway if possible for even flavor distribution.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be fork-tender. If it’s not quite there, allow additional cooking time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or noodles and top with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy the delicious smells wafting through your kitchen!
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for extra flair.
- Accompaniments: Pair with steamed rice or soba noodles to soak up the sauce.
- Portions: This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it great for families or meal prepping.
- Beverage pairing: Complement with iced green tea or a light beer for a refreshing touch.
This dish is sure to be a favorite at your dinner table!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
- Customization: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or add some heat with red pepper flakes.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges for a bright finish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha for a spicy twist.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace teriyaki sauce with honey garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or a variety of vegetables for a plant-based version.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the dish in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
- Airtight containers for storage
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Is this dish healthy?
With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this dish provides protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and dump them into the slow cooker in the morning.
How can I customize the recipe?
You can easily vary the vegetables used or adjust the amount of honey and sauce to fit your taste preferences.
Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes! You can sauté the ingredients on the stove in a large pot, simmering until everything is cooked through.
Conclusion
Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful meal that brings together fresh flavors, nutritional benefits, and effortless preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it promises to satisfy and impress everyone at the table. So, give this recipe a try — you’ll love the taste and how easy it is to enjoy a home-cooked meal!
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all the necessary ingredients, including chicken and vegetables.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces.
- Slice the bell peppers and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In your crockpot, place the chicken pieces first.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets on top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, stirring halfway if possible.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or noodles.
- Top with sesame seeds or green onions before serving.
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