Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish where the chicken is marinated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, which adds depth and richness to every bite. Paired with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and guests.
What Is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken is a dish that consists of chicken cooked with a glaze made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, mirin (or honey), and other seasonings. The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese word “teri,” which means “glaze” or “shine,” and “yaki,” meaning “to grill” or “to cook.” The result is a deliciously sticky, savory-sweet coating on tender pieces of chicken.
This dish can be prepared with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken skewers. It’s typically served over steamed rice, but you can get creative with your side dishes.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
For the Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Don’t worry; most of them can be found in your local grocery store.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce. You can use regular soy sauce or a low-sodium version if you’re looking for a healthier option.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Honey: This enhances the sweetness and helps achieve the perfect glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic layer of flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess and balance to the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: This will help thicken the sauce to a syrupy consistency.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless thighs work best as they remain juicy and tender. However, boneless chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option.
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: For searing the chicken and giving it a crispy exterior.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: If you have time, marinate the chicken in half of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat: While chicken breasts are a leaner option, chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful, making them a great choice for this dish.
- Balance the Sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, add a touch more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance out the flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply reduce the amount of cornstarch. For a thicker glaze, add more cornstarch slurry.
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken
While the classic Teriyaki Chicken is delicious on its own, there are many ways to add a twist to this recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Instead of pan-frying the chicken, grill it for a smoky flavor. Brush the chicken with the teriyaki sauce as it grills for a caramelized finish.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir fry with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and snap peas. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the stir-fry for a colorful, healthy meal.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: For a fun twist, thread the chicken onto skewers and grill or broil. Brush with teriyaki sauce and serve as an appetizer or main dish.
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce to give it a spicy kick.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement the rich flavor of the chicken:
- Steamed Rice: The classic choice. White, brown, or jasmine rice are perfect options for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a side of grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Noodles: Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of stir-fried or steamed noodles.
- Salads: A light Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing pairs wonderfully with the rich teriyaki flavor.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Teriyaki chicken stores well for a few days.
- Refrigerate: Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts for Teriyaki Chicken? Yes, you can! While boneless chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook the breasts, as they can dry out.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free. The sauce will taste just as delicious.
3. Can I make the Teriyaki sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it before using.
4. Is Teriyaki Chicken spicy? No, traditional Teriyaki Chicken isn’t spicy. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Can I use store-bought Teriyaki sauce? While homemade teriyaki sauce is always best, you can use store-bought sauce in a pinch. Just be aware that it may not be as fresh or flavorful as the homemade version.
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish where the chicken is marinated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, which adds depth and richness to every bit
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until the chicken reaches 160°F in the center.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup.
- Combine: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and toss until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 373Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 120mgSodium 683mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 13gProtein 47g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try out the variations, experiment with the sauce, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
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