Why Make This Recipe
Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and popular dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be served in many ways. Not only is this recipe simple, but it also brings the flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Making teriyaki chicken is easy and fun! Follow these straightforward steps to create a meal that your family will love.
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
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is 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 and cook 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 in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot with rice or noodles.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Serve your teriyaki chicken over fluffy white rice or noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal. For a quick lunch, toss the leftovers in a salad.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
If you have any leftovers, store the teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Teriyaki Chicken
- Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for quick and even cooking.
- If you want extra sauce, double the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can customize teriyaki chicken by adding different vegetables or proteins. Try using tofu for a vegetarian option or mix in broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to add more color and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well too. Just make sure not to overcook, as it can become dry.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Regular soy sauce contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for a gluten-free option.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and use it when you’re ready to cook.
Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and delicious teriyaki chicken recipe that features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce.
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 the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook 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 in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
To enhance your teriyaki chicken, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, quick dinner, family meal
