Weeknights can get crazy. Am I right?
It’s easy to run around trying to do everything, only to realize that you have nothing made for dinner.
Sometimes it’s easier to order takeout or pick up a frozen pizza. I have found myself in that rut far too often. Don’t get me wrong, all those things aren’t bad, and there is a time and place for both. I just don’t want that that to be my habit.
When I lived in Mexico, out in the middle of nowhere, it was much easier not to fall into the trap of buying convenience foods; they weren’t easy to come by. If I was running errands in the next big town or driving across the border for the day, I already knew I would eat out and looked forward to that special treat.
Now that I am stateside and have many options at my fingertips, it is so tempting to grab something instead of cooking. It isn’t great for my health or budget whenever I get in that rut. Plus, I want eating out or takeout actually to feel special.
It can be fun to make your favorite takeout meals at home. Since I was a teen, I have loved teriyaki rice bowls. They are simple, salty, and so satisfying. They are perfect with a bowl of steamed rice and a vegetable or plate of quick and easy egg fried rice.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
When I have more time, my favorite teriyaki chicken is to make a pan-fried teriyaki, or if I am having a party, I like to whip up a batch of sticky teriyaki wings.
Those don’t cut it on the days I am on the go till dinner time. That’s when my trusty crockpot comes into play. This simple and healthy crockpot chicken teriyaki with pineapple is an old favorite that I dusted off the shelves of this blog. It is one of the first recipes I have ever published.
It only takes a few minutes to assemble, then slowly cooks while you go about your day. I like throwing white or brown rice into my Vita-Clay rice cooker when I put the chicken in. When I am about ready to eat, I quickly steam broccoli or another vegetable, and dinner is ready to go.
Simple and Healthy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken- Your new weeknight favorite
- Healthy and simple to make
- Minimal ingredients
- No refined sugar, just pineapple, and honey
- Cooks while you are doing life
- Budget-friendly
- Delicious
Teriyaki Chicken- Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with frozen chicken?
Well… I have, but technically people say you shouldn’t. If you are going to, I will increase the cooking time by an hour or two. That’s one of those things you need to decide for yourself.
Can I make this ahead of time?
For sure! Prepare it the night before and pour it into the slow cooker the next day. If anything, it will taste better because you let it marinate overnight. If you prepare it and freeze it, I suggest defrosting it overnight in the fridge.
How long can I save it for?
This slow chicken teriyaki should last 4-5 days in the fridge.
Simple and Healthy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 servings
Boneless, skinless chicken is slow-cooked with pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce to make a simple and healthy crockpot teriyaki chicken that is the perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserving all the juice
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, and honey.
- Layer the chicken across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the onions and pineapple on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the grated ginger over the top.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Courses Dinner
Cuisine Japanese
What follows is the original recipe and blog post from November 2009. Only slight changes seen above have been made for clarity.
Today Passionate Homemaking is having a Nourishing Crockpot Carnival. Be sure to head over there to check out all the yummy, healthy recipes. Here’s my twist on Teriyaki Chicken.
Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 Can of Pineapple chunks, using all the juice
1 Cup Trader Joe’s Soy Sauce
4 TBS Raw Honey
2 TBS Grated ginger
1 Medium onion, sliced
Enough chicken stock to cover the meat
Cook on low for six hours, then turn on high for thirty minutes. Serve with brown rice and a salad.
Jenn @comebackmomma
We just got a crockpot. I need to start using it. Thanks for the recipe idea.
Katie Mae
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for storpping by!
Amanda @ Natural Living Mamma
This looks great! Is trader joes soy sauce Gluten Free? I could use Tamari instead…. mmm
Rose
I couldn’t find Trader Joe’s Soy Sauce on any of the pages.
Katie
Maria, I hope you like it!
maria
I’m so glad this doesn’t call for teriyaki sauce from a bottle like so many other recipes! Looking forward to trying this later in the week!
Katie
Emily
I’m glad you like it!
Emily
Hey,
This is now on my official list of “Use again, nice, easy FAST and tasty!” Thanks,
Emily
the monkey's mama
I’m so excited! I’m making this today for dinner tonight! yum!
Katie
I’ve never tried peaches before, it might work. All you can do is try I guess!
Alison @ Hospitality Haven
Yum! But I’m allergic to pineapple. 🙁 Do you think canned peaches would work?!
http://alison.blogsome.com
the monkey's mama
this looks SO yummy! definitely added to my recipe box!