Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables

Introduction:

Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is a classic and universally loved dish, celebrated for its harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, tender chicken, and crisp-tender vegetables. This dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine, offering a satisfying and balanced meal that is both flavorful and relatively healthy. Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent pieces of chicken, glazed in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce, complemented by vibrant and colorful vegetables cooked to just the right degree of tenderness.

This recipe for Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables utilizes the slow cooker to infuse the chicken and vegetables with deep, rich teriyaki flavor, followed by a quick stir-fry to thicken the sauce and add a final touch of caramelized goodness. The slow cooker method ensures incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, while the stir-fry step allows for precise control over the sauce consistency and vegetable texture. Get ready to discover the ease and delight of creating this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing meal for family gatherings, or a flavorful and nutritious dish to add to your regular rotation, Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is an exceptional choice. It’s approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, endlessly adaptable to personal preferences, and consistently delivers a dining experience that is both enjoyable and wholesome. Prepare to be amazed at how easily you can create this delicious and versatile dish and make it a staple in your recipe collection.

Why you will love this recipe:

This Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables recipe is destined to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen for a multitude of compelling reasons. Firstly, it delivers the quintessential teriyaki flavor that is universally appealing – a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic ginger and garlic. This complex yet harmonious flavor profile is deeply satisfying and makes every bite a delight, offering a taste of restaurant-quality Asian cuisine in your own home.

Beyond its exceptional taste, this recipe is incredibly convenient and efficient to prepare, especially with the use of a slow cooker. The slow cooker method allows you to simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it, freeing you up to focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself. The final stir-fry step is quick and easy, taking just minutes to thicken the sauce and finish the dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or effortless meal prepping.

Moreover, Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is a wonderfully versatile and adaptable recipe that can be tailored to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. You can easily adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the teriyaki sauce, add different vegetables based on seasonal availability or your family’s favorites, and serve it over various bases like rice, noodles, or quinoa for added variety. Vegetarians can easily adapt this recipe by using tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken.

Finally, this recipe is a relatively healthy and balanced meal option, packed with lean protein from the chicken and a rainbow of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The use of olive oil and sesame oil adds healthy fats, and the option to serve it over whole grains like brown rice or quinoa further enhances its nutritional value. Prepare to fall in love with the flavor, convenience, versatility, and health benefits of this slow cooker teriyaki chicken and vegetables recipe.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

To create this flavorful and satisfying Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables, you will need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that define this classic dish. Let’s explore each ingredient in detail, highlighting their purpose and offering guidance for optimal selection.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables:

First, you will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts provide lean protein and a tender texture that readily absorbs the flavorful teriyaki sauce. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation and a healthier dish. Slicing the chicken breasts before slow cooking ensures they cook evenly and quickly, and also makes them more sauce-absorbent. Ensure the chicken is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen chicken.

For a vibrant and colorful vegetable medley, you will need 2 bell peppers, 1 zucchini, and 1 onion. Bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and color to the dish. Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) for visual appeal and a variety of nutrients. Slicing the bell peppers into strips or bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly. Zucchini provides a mild flavor and tender texture. Choose firm zucchini without blemishes, and slice it into rounds or half-moons. Onion adds savory depth and aromatics to the dish. Yellow or white onions are suitable choices; slice them into wedges or half-moons.

Garlic, 3 cloves minced, is essential for adding pungent and savory depth to the teriyaki sauce and overall dish. Fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor. Choose firm, plump garlic cloves without green sprouts. Mincing the garlic finely releases its aromatic oils and ensures even distribution of flavor.

Soy sauce, 1/4 cup, forms the savory and umami base of the teriyaki sauce, providing saltiness and depth of flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall salt content and allow you to adjust seasoning later. Good quality soy sauce with rich umami notes will enhance the teriyaki flavor significantly.

Honey, 2 tablespoons, adds sweetness to the teriyaki sauce, balancing the soy sauce and contributing to its glossy texture. Natural honey, such as wildflower or clover honey, is recommended. You can adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness, or substitute with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.

Rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons, provides a necessary tanginess and acidity that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the sauce, balancing the flavors. Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter than white vinegar, making it ideal for Asian-style sauces. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for this recipe to control the other seasonings precisely.

Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon, acts as a thickening agent for the teriyaki sauce, creating its signature glossy and coating consistency. Cornstarch is mixed with a bit of cold water (not listed, but implied in technique) to create a slurry before adding to the slow cooker, preventing lumps and ensuring smooth thickening. Ensure your cornstarch is fresh for optimal thickening power.

Ginger, 1 teaspoon grated, adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic complexity that is characteristic of teriyaki flavor. Fresh ginger root is preferred for its more vibrant and pungent flavor. Peel ginger before grating using a microplane or fine grater to achieve finely grated ginger.

Sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon, adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired profile of the dish. Toasted sesame oil is recommended for its richer, more pronounced flavor compared to light sesame oil. Use sesame oil sparingly, as its flavor is potent and a little goes a long way.

Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons, is used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables at the end, adding a touch of richness and helping to caramelize the sauce. Use a neutral-flavored vegetable oil like canola oil or soybean oil, or a higher heat oil like avocado oil. Vegetable oil is suitable for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.

Finally, salt and pepper to taste are essential for seasoning both the chicken and vegetables during slow cooking and the final stir-fry. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference throughout the cooking process to achieve balanced and well-seasoned teriyaki chicken and vegetables. Having all these high-quality ingredients prepared and measured ensures a truly flavorful and authentic Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables dish.

Ingredients for Serving:

Cooked rice or noodles, for serving, provides the perfect base for the teriyaki chicken and vegetables, absorbing the flavorful sauce and creating a complete meal. Steamed white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles like udon, soba, or egg noodles are all excellent choices. Prepare your preferred type of rice or noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they are cooked perfectly to complement the main dish.

HOW TO MAKE “Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables”:

Crafting Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables using a slow cooker and skillet is a streamlined and rewarding process, combining the convenience of slow cooking with the flavor-enhancing techniques of stir-frying. It involves a series of straightforward steps that, when followed, result in tender chicken and flavorful vegetables glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce. Let’s walk through each stage of preparation, ensuring you have a clear understanding of how to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen.

The initial step is to combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Place the sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. This step is remarkably simple – just layer in all the components for the slow cooking phase.

Next, stir the ingredients well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the teriyaki sauce. Stirring ensures even distribution of the sauce and seasonings, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken and vegetables during slow cooking. A good initial stir sets the stage for even flavor development.

Cover the slow cooker and cook for the specified time. Cooking on low heat for 2 hours or high heat for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb the teriyaki sauce deeply, while the vegetables become tender-crisp. Adjust cooking time slightly based on your slow cooker and desired vegetable tenderness.

Once slow cooking is complete, you will transition to stir-frying. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Heating the oil properly before adding the chicken and vegetables is essential for successful stir-frying.

Remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving the excess sauce behind in the slow cooker. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to the preheated skillet. Transferring with a slotted spoon helps to remove excess liquid and prepare the ingredients for stir-frying. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir-frying over medium-high heat quickly heats the chicken and vegetables and allows the sauce to reduce and thicken to a glossy glaze. Serving hot over steamed rice or noodles completes the dish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture of the teriyaki chicken and vegetables.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, combine 4 sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced zucchini, 1 sliced onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Layering ingredients in the slow cooker prepares them for slow cooking and flavor infusion.

2. Stir Well to Coat: Stir all ingredients in the slow cooker well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce mixture. Thorough stirring ensures even flavor distribution and coating of all components.

3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 hours or on high heat for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Slow cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and desired tenderness; check for doneness.

4. Heat Vegetable Oil in Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet and oil are heated before adding the chicken and vegetables for proper stir-frying.

5. Transfer Chicken and Vegetables to Skillet: Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and transfer them to the preheated skillet. Transferring with a slotted spoon separates solids from excess liquid for stir-frying.

6. Stir-Fry and Thicken Sauce: Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly to a glossy glaze. Stir-frying over medium-high heat ensures quick heating and sauce thickening.

7. Serve Hot: Serve the Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables hot over steamed rice or noodles. Serving immediately ensures the best texture and flavor.

HELPFUL HINTS:

To elevate your Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables from good to truly outstanding, consider these helpful hints and techniques. These tips cover various aspects of the recipe, from ingredient preparation to cooking methods and flavor enhancements, ensuring a consistently delicious and satisfying dish every time you make it.

Firstly, for even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before slow cooking. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the teriyaki flavors more deeply, resulting in a richer and more flavorful end product. A longer marinade time, up to a few hours, can further enhance the flavor.

Secondly, for vegetables that are tender-crisp and not mushy, add them to the slow cooker later in the cooking process. If you prefer your vegetables to retain some crispness, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30-45 minutes of low heat cooking or the last 15-20 minutes of high heat cooking. This prevents overcooking and ensures they are tender-crisp.

Thirdly, for a thicker teriyaki sauce straight from the slow cooker, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly, or use a slurry of cornstarch and cold water. Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on low or 15 minutes on high to thicken the sauce directly in the slow cooker, potentially reducing the need for extensive stir-frying.

Consider adding a touch of heat to your teriyaki chicken with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the slow cooker or during stir-frying introduces a subtle heat that balances the sweetness and savory notes of the teriyaki sauce, adding another layer of flavor complexity.

Lastly, garnish your Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added visual appeal and a finishing touch of flavor. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and textural contrast, while chopped green onions provide freshness and a mild oniony bite. Garnishes enhance both the presentation and flavor of the dish.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes This includes the time needed to slice the chicken and vegetables, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and measure out all the sauce ingredients. Efficient knife work and having ingredients readily available will help keep prep time minimal.

Cook Time: 2 hours on low heat or 1 hour on high heat This refers to the slow cooking time in a slow cooker, which is a hands-off cooking method. The slow cooking process ensures tender chicken and allows flavors to meld deeply.

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (on low heat) or 1 hour 15 minutes (on high heat) This represents the total time from start to finish, including both the prep time and slow cooking time, plus the final stir-fry step. The total time varies depending on the chosen slow cooker setting.

Yield: 4 servings This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings, suitable for a family dinner or small gathering. The serving size may vary slightly depending on individual appetites and portion sizes.

Category: Main Course, Asian Cuisine, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is categorized as a main course dish, rooted in Asian cuisine, and utilizing a slow cooker as the primary cooking appliance. It is a versatile and family-friendly meal.

Method: Slow Cooking, Stir-Frying The primary cooking methods are slow cooking for tenderizing the chicken and infusing flavor, and stir-frying for thickening the sauce and adding a final sear to the dish.

Cooking: Slow Cooker, Stovetop This recipe utilizes both a slow cooker for the main cooking phase and a stovetop skillet for the final stir-fry. Both appliances are used to their strengths to achieve the best results.

Diet: Adaptable Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is adaptable to various dietary needs. It is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. It can also be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh.

NOTES:

When preparing Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables, there are several important notes to keep in mind to ensure the best possible outcome and manage storage effectively. These notes cover make-ahead tips, storage instructions, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions, providing you with a comprehensive guide to this versatile recipe.

Make-Ahead Notes: The teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also slice the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combining these pre-prepped components on cooking day will significantly reduce the overall preparation time. However, it is not recommended to fully assemble and slow cook the dish ahead of time as the vegetables may become too soft upon reheating.

Storage Instructions: Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigerated leftovers are best consumed within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables, you can use a skillet or microwave. For skillet reheating, heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the leftovers, and stir-fry until heated through. For microwave reheating, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Reheating in a skillet can help retain texture better than microwaving.

Ingredient Substitutions: For chicken variations, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor, though breasts are leaner. For vegetable variations, feel free to add mushrooms, broccoli florets, snow peas, snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy to the slow cooker or stir-fry. For a spicier teriyaki sauce, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. For a vegan version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions: Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is traditionally served over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added visual appeal and flavor. Serve as a complete meal or with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. For a more elaborate presentation, serve with pickled ginger and seaweed salad.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of grated ginger? A: The recipe already calls for fresh, grated ginger. If you intended to ask if you can use ground ginger, fresh ginger is highly recommended for teriyaki sauce as it provides a brighter and more pungent flavor than ground ginger. If you must substitute, use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every teaspoon of fresh grated ginger, but be aware the flavor will be less vibrant.

Q: Can I make teriyaki chicken without a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can make teriyaki chicken without a slow cooker. You can stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in a skillet and add the teriyaki sauce directly to the skillet to simmer and thicken. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken and vegetables in the oven, covered with teriyaki sauce, until cooked through. Slow cooking, however, yields the most tender chicken and deeply infused flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the teriyaki sauce from being too thin? A: Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce. Ensure you are using fresh cornstarch and that you are mixing it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the slow cooker. If the sauce is still too thin after slow cooking, you can simmer it uncovered in the skillet during the stir-fry step to reduce and thicken it further. Adding more cornstarch slurry to the skillet during stir-frying is also an option.

Q: Can I add pineapple to this teriyaki chicken recipe? A: Yes, pineapple is a delicious addition to teriyaki chicken and adds a tropical sweetness and tang. You can add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the slow cooker along with the chicken and vegetables, or add it during the stir-fry step. Pineapple pairs well with teriyaki flavors and adds a nice textural element.

Q: What kind of rice is best to serve with teriyaki chicken? A: White rice, such as jasmine rice or long-grain white rice, is a classic and excellent choice for serving with teriyaki chicken as it absorbs the flavorful sauce well. Brown rice and basmati rice are also good options. For noodle options, try udon noodles, soba noodles, or egg noodles.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Simply increase all ingredient quantities proportionally. Ensure you use a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients, or use multiple slow cookers. Cooking time may need to be slightly adjusted when doubling or tripling, especially if using a slow cooker.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables, especially if you have leftovers or are preparing it in advance. Following these storage guidelines will help ensure your dish remains delicious and enjoyable, even when reheated.

For short-term storage of leftover cooked Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Cooling completely before refrigerating prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can affect the texture and quality of the dish.

Store the cooled Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables in an airtight container. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the food from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration is suitable for short-term storage and maintaining food safety.

For longer-term storage, freeze the cooked Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion into individual servings for convenient thawing and reheating, if desired. Frozen Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

Always label and date your stored Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables so you know when it was made and when it should be consumed. For reheating, thaw frozen Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using skillet or microwave methods as previously described. Proper storage and reheating practices are key to enjoying your Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables at its best, even after it has been stored.

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CONCLUSION

Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is more than just a simple weeknight dinner; it’s a celebration of balanced flavors, tender textures, and the ease of creating restaurant-quality meals at home. It perfectly embodies the spirit of versatile home cooking – emphasizing fresh ingredients, adaptable techniques, and maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe for Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables masterfully combines the convenience of slow cooking with the flavor enhancement of stir-frying, creating a dish that is both effortless and exceptionally delicious.

From the succulent, sauce-infused chicken to the tender-crisp vegetables and the glossy, flavorful teriyaki glaze, every component of this dish is thoughtfully chosen to deliver a balanced and satisfying culinary experience. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy and rewarding to prepare but also incredibly versatile, perfect for adapting to individual tastes, dietary needs, and serving preferences.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting family dinner, a flavorful dish for meal prepping, or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is an excellent choice. It is a recipe that encourages home cooking, promotes culinary creativity, and most importantly, brings smiles to faces with its simple and delicious charm. Embrace the ease and flavor of this wonderful dish and make it a regular part of your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful aroma and exceptional taste of this fantastic slow cooker teriyaki chicken and vegetables!