Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken: Your New Easy Weeknight Dinner
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both delicious and incredibly simple, look no further than Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken. This dish bursts with flavor, featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, savory teriyaki sauce that’s hard to resist. With the addition of garlic, ginger, and a sprinkling of green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the dinner table. The best part? It requires minimal prep and can practically cook itself! In this article, you’ll discover why this recipe is a kitchen superstar, how to make it step-by-step, and tips for serving and storing leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about ease; it’s all about making delicious food that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few compelling reasons to love this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, dinner prep becomes a breeze.
- Perfect for Beginners: Whether you’re a novice cook or a busy parent, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for anyone wanting to get a meal on the table quickly.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a fantastic family dinner.
- Economical: Utilizing chicken breasts paired with pantry staples means you can make this dish without breaking the bank.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch for leftovers or to use in lunches during the week—it’s versatile!
The Necessary Ingredients
Every great dish starts with quality ingredients. For this Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken, you will need the following:
- Chicken breasts
- Teriyaki sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Pepper
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
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Chicken Breasts: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor and added moisture.
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Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, many brands offer reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
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Minced Garlic and Grated Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger yield the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced or dried versions if you’re short on time.
How to Prepare the Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken step by step
Cooking this dish is truly as simple as the name suggests! Follow these easy steps to whip up your meal:
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Place Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot.
Begin by laying your chicken breasts flat on the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken absorb the teriyaki flavor.
Pro Tip: If using frozen chicken breasts, they can still be cooked from frozen, but increase the cooking time. -
Mix the Sauces.
In a bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pepper. This blend creates a flavorful marinade that will penetrate the chicken as it cooks.
Pro Tip: Taste your sauce before adding it, and adjust the seasoning based on your preference—add more ginger for spice or extra soy for saltiness. -
Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken.
Carefully pour the mixed sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This is crucial for maximum flavor infusion.
Pro Tip: Save a small amount of sauce to drizzle over the chicken when serving for an extra punch of flavor. -
Cook Your Chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Slow and low is best here; this allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Pro Tip: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s reached 165°F for food safety. -
Shred the Chicken.
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce. This step creates a perfect, hearty filling for various meals.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after cooking; this gives juice back to the meat. -
Serve and Garnish.
Spoon the chicken out and serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color.
Pro Tip: Create a DIY rice bowl station so everyone can customize their meal—add carrots, cucumbers, and whatever toppings you enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your dining experience with these creative ideas:
Perfect Pairings:
- Side Dishes: Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or fluffy quinoa for a wholesome meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad work great as fresh sides.
- Drinks: Pair with sweet tea or a light sparkling water infused with lemon for a refreshing beverage.
Occasions:
- Weeknight Dinner: This recipe is super convenient for quick weeknight meals when time is not on your side.
- Special Occasion Meal: Impress guests with an Asian-inspired feast. Serve with spring rolls or a sushi platter to elevate the meal.
Serving Tips:
- Showcase the dish in a serving bowl and add the garnishing just before serving for a pop of color.
- Allow family members or guests to assemble their plates as they prefer!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To preserve the quality of your leftovers:
Refrigerated:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
Frozen:
- Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the microwave in short bursts or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to avoid drying out.
Guaranteed Success Tips
Here are some golden rules for perfect results every time:
- Don’t Overcook: If using the high setting, be mindful, as chicken can dry out if left for too long.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a noticeable flavor difference.
- Balance Your Sauces: Make sure the proportions are right for your taste buds; adjust based on preference for sweetness or saltiness.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Green onions and sesame seeds add not only flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun variations to keep things exciting:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to your sauce mix to give the chicken a kick.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- For Added Vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes! You can start with frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by an hour on low.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
A: A mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger can serve as a replacement for teriyaki sauce.
Q: Is it okay to cook on high for too long?
A: It’s best to avoid cooking on high for more than 4 hours, as this can dry out the chicken.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure that your teriyaki sauce is also gluten-free.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Just be mindful of the size of your crockpot; you may need to cook in batches or use a larger pot.
Q: What do I do if it gets too salty?
A: Adding a bit of brown sugar can help balance out excessive saltiness. Just add little by little while tasting.
Q: Can I cook this using an Instant Pot instead?
A: Absolutely! Set to high pressure but reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Now you’re armed with everything you need to whip up a delightful Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken that your family will love! Enjoy the ease of preparation, the wonderful flavors, and the satisfaction of a meal well done. Happy cooking!
Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken
Ingrédients
Method
- Place Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot.
- Mix the Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
- Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.