Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

This is my mom's recipe for teriyaki chicken and it is AMAZING.  The only difference is that she doesn't use the crockpot and she uses the directions for the thicker sauce.  Her teriyaki chicken is baked in the oven, not in the crockpot, but when you are a busy mom, sometimes crockpots are a must!  The first time I made this, I didn't think it would work.  At least I was worried that it wouldn't.  I had soccer practice that night with my kiddos and needed a fast meal, but wanted it to be somewhat healthy.  So, I thought I'd try it out.  It was INCREDIBLE!  I LOVE CROCKPOT MEALS!

As for that purple rice, you have to be wondering, "what is up with the purple rice?".  Well, it is actually called black rice and has been a favorite in Asian cuisine for many years.  For us, though, until very recently, it was difficult to find.  The coolest thing about this rice, besides the fact that it is purple, is that it is astoundingly healthy for you!  Among the health benefits are prevention of many, many major diseases.  To name a few, black rice helps protect the body from cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimers.  It is also high in both iron and fiber...two things my body always needs!
Pretty awesome, huh.  So why don't you pull out that crockpot, go buy some black rice and make this teriyaki chicken for dinner tonight!


Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

1/2 C soy sauce
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C brown sugar
2 tsp ginger
2 cloves garlic

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Mix sauce in crockpot.  Place frozen or thawed chicken breasts on top...coating once in sauce.  Turn crockpot to low and cook until chicken is thawed.  Trim fat off of chicken and return to crockpot.  Every two hours or so, flip chicken over to coat each side of the chicken.  Cook for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is done.  Serve with rice and broccoli.  Spoon sauce over chicken and broccoli, if desired.  We like it that way.

For thicker sauce:  Remove chicken.  Let sauce cool.  Stir in cornstarch and reheat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.  Add chicken and heat until hot again.  I just use the thinner sauce...it is delicious, but if you prefer a thicker sauce...go for it!