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- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup teriyaki sauce - 1 cup pineapple chunks For this recipe, the chicken thighs form the heart of the dish. They are juicy and tender after cooking. I prefer boneless and skinless thighs because they cook evenly and soak up the teriyaki sauce well. The teriyaki sauce is key to the flavor. You can use store-bought sauce, which is quick and easy. If you want a homemade option, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. This gives you complete control over the taste. Pineapple chunks add a sweet and tangy twist. You can use fresh pineapple for a bright flavor or canned chunks if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple to avoid excess juice. When choosing teriyaki sauce, I recommend brands like Kikkoman or Soy Vay. They have a rich flavor that pairs well with chicken. If you can’t find these, any teriyaki sauce will work. If you want to make your own, combine: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tsp minced garlic You can also swap the pineapple with other fruits. Mango or peach chunks can add a unique flavor. You will need a good-quality crockpot. I recommend a 6-quart model, which fits a good amount of food. Brands like Hamilton Beach or Crock-Pot are reliable and easy to use. For cooking, you will need basic utensils: - A cutting board - A knife for chopping - A measuring cup for the sauce This setup keeps things simple and efficient. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their flavor and tenderness. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly. This helps it cook well. Next, pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Use enough sauce to coat all the pieces. This step is key for flavor. Each bite should be rich and tasty. Now, it’s time to layer in the pineapple chunks. Spread them over the chicken and sauce. This adds a sweet touch that balances the savory notes. The order of ingredients matters. Always put the sauce on first. It helps the chicken stay moist during cooking. The pineapple should go on top to prevent it from getting too mushy. You can set your crockpot to low or high. If you choose low, cook for 6-7 hours. For a quicker meal, use high for 3-4 hours. To check doneness, use a fork. The chicken should shred easily. If it does, you’re ready to serve. Remember, the longer it cooks on low, the more flavors blend. To boost flavor, marinate your chicken in teriyaki sauce. Do this for at least an hour, or overnight if you have time. This step helps the chicken soak up all that sweet and salty goodness. For garnishing, add sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. This makes the dish look pretty and adds a nice crunch. When it’s time to shred the chicken, use two forks. This helps break it apart easily. Make sure to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. That way, it mixes well with the sauce and pineapple. Stir it all together so every bite is tasty. Serve your teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also try serving it with a side of stir-fried veggies for extra color and crunch. If you want to switch things up, consider a fresh salad. A light, crunchy salad can balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture, making your dish even more delicious. If using canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Customize Your Sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. This will elevate the flavor profile and add some heat! Perfect Shredding: For easier shredding, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and easier to shred. Serve with Toppings: Enhance your dish by garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These toppings not only add flavor but also a visually appealing finish! {{image_2}} You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked. Thighs stay juicy, making them a great choice. For fruit, try using mango or peaches instead of pineapple. These fruits add a nice sweetness and twist to the dish. Add some veggies to your crockpot for extra flavor. Bell peppers or onions work well. They cook down and blend perfectly with the chicken and sauce. For a spicy kick, stir in sriracha or fresh ginger. Both add heat and depth to your teriyaki chicken. Switch up how you serve this dish. Make wraps using tortillas or lettuce leaves. They are fun and easy to eat. You can also pack it into meal prep containers. This way, you have tasty lunches ready for the week. To store your teriyaki chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. In the fridge, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. You can also store the sauce separately if you want. This keeps the chicken from getting too soggy. You can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for later. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. Label it with the date. It stays good for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, put it in a pan over medium heat. Stir until warmed through. You can also heat it in the microwave. Leftover teriyaki chicken is great for quick meals. You can make a tasty wrap or sandwich. Just add some lettuce and your favorite veggies. Another idea is to toss it in a salad. The flavors mix well with greens and nuts. You can also use it in fried rice or noodles. Just add some soy sauce and veggies for a fun meal! Cooking time varies by setting. For low heat, it takes 6-7 hours. On high heat, it cooks in 3-4 hours. Always check if the chicken is tender and easy to shred. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add extra cooking time. If cooking on low, aim for 7-8 hours. For high, cook for 4-5 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. If you need a substitute, try soy sauce mixed with honey. You can also use barbecue sauce for a different flavor. To make homemade teriyaki sauce, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of ginger. This recipe has boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pineapple. It’s a good source of protein and vitamins. However, teriyaki sauce can be high in sugar. Use low-sugar sauce for a healthier option. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply cook it and store in the fridge. It lasts for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving. For meal prep, divide into portions for easy meals later. This blog post covered how to make Three Ingredient Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. We discussed ingredients, equipment, and cooking steps. I shared tips to boost flavor and texture. You can easily switch ingredients for fun variations. Storage info ensures your leftovers stay fresh. In summary, this recipe is simple and versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways. Your cooking can be stress-free, tasty, and full of options. Happy cooking!

Savory Three Ingredient Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

A simple and delicious crockpot recipe featuring chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  • Add the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
  • Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Once the cooking time is up, use a fork to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir it well to combine with the sauce and pineapple.
  • Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, dinner, easy, teriyaki