Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and delightful dish that brings together a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe for teriyaki chicken elevates your culinary repertoire while being simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted the joys of teriyaki chicken at a restaurant, you’ll understand the appeal of recreating this iconic dish at home. Homemade teriyaki chicken allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking, use fresh ingredients, and potentially make a healthier version without the preservatives found in takeout. Plus, it’s a very versatile dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a favorite for families and meal preppers alike.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Cooking teriyaki chicken is an enjoyable and straightforward process that’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to whip up this tasty meal in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
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In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly in the sauce.
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Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the skillet until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, either with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken
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Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours or even overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a significant difference in flavor. Consider grating fresh ginger instead of using powdered ginger for the best taste.
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Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can modify the amount of honey or brown sugar. If you prefer your teriyaki sauce less sweet, use less sweetener or substitute it with a low-calorie alternative.
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Cook on High Heat: Searing the chicken pieces on high heat helps achieve a crispier texture, giving you a delightful contrast when combined with the sauce.
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Keep Serving Warm: Serve immediately after cooking, as teriyaki chicken is best enjoyed hot. If necessary, place it in an oven on low heat to keep it warm without overcooking.
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Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the garnishes! Sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only enhance the visual appeal but add extra layers of flavor.
Flavor Variations for Teriyaki Chicken
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Add Spice: Want a kick? Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist that perfectly contrasts the sweetness.
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Sweet and Sour Twist: Combine equal parts teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice for a tropical flair that melds well with the savory chicken.
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Vegetable stir-in: For added texture and nutrition, throw in thinly sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with more teriyaki sauce for a fresh, light meal.
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Honey-Mustard Variation: Incorporate a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce for a tangy depth of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
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Steamed Rice: A classic choice, serving the teriyaki chicken over fluffy steamed white or brown rice is always a winning combination.
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Noodles: Try tossing the chicken with cooked noodles such as udon or soba for a heartier meal that’s reminiscent of Asian takeout.
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Stir-Fried Veggies: A side of stir-fried vegetables can add color, nutrition, and a satisfying crunch to your plate.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve teriyaki chicken over cauliflower rice to enjoy the flavors without the extra carbs.
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Asian Slaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing can complement the rich flavors of teriyaki chicken beautifully.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken
If you have leftover teriyaki chicken, you’re in luck! Here’s how to store it properly:
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Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
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Freezing: You can also freeze teriyaki chicken for later enjoyment. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it will last for about 2-3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
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Reheating: Thaw frozen teriyaki chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Heat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken juicy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken
What is teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish where chicken is grilled or pan-fried and then glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made primarily of soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. The result is a shiny, flavorful coating that permeates the chicken.
Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken is the most popular choice for teriyaki, you can also use beef or pork. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
Is teriyaki chicken gluten-free?
Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which usually has gluten. However, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
How spicy is teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is not inherently spicy; it showcases a sweet and savory flavor profile. However, you can adjust the heat level by incorporating spicy ingredients such as sriracha or chili flakes, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
Can I make teriyaki chicken in advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki chicken is a fantastic dish that breaks the monotony of everyday meals while still being simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests, this recipe offers robust flavors and versatility. With easy variations and pairing suggestions, you can adapt it to suit any palate and occasion. Give this delightful teriyaki chicken recipe a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular feature on your dinner table!
Happy cooking!
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Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the skillet until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, either with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese