Teriyaki Chicken Recipe – 30 minutes to dinner!
Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese dish that combines juicy chicken with a savory-sweet sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This dish’s delicious flavors make it a favorite for many families, and it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love It
There are many reasons to love Teriyaki Chicken. First, it’s a fast recipe, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish! Second, it’s flexible; you can adjust the sweetness or add vegetables as you like. Third, it provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and can easily be served with vegetables for extra nutrition. Lastly, it’s a delightful way to enjoy Asian cuisine right at home.
Ingredients
To prepare Teriyaki Chicken, you will need the following 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
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can substitute:
- Chicken can be replaced with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey dissolves and all ingredients blend well.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. While it heats, season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked thoroughly, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over it. Stir to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet and stir well until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the chicken, which will take around 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the Teriyaki Chicken hot, ideally with rice or noodles to soak up the delightful sauce.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot when you add the chicken; this helps to sear it and locks in moisture.
- Texture: Aim for a nice golden color on the chicken for great flavor and texture.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Always check that your chicken is fully cooked by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Serve
Teriyaki Chicken can be served over a bed of fluffy white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. You can also add steamed or stir-fried vegetables to make it an all-in-one meal. For a fresh twist, serve it in lettuce wraps or alongside a salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply put it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Teriyaki Chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook it fresh before serving for the best taste.
Q: Is Teriyaki Chicken healthy?
A: It can be healthy! You control the sugar levels and can add vegetables to increase nutrition.
Q: What side dishes go well with Teriyaki Chicken?
A: It pairs great with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This Teriyaki Chicken provides a good source of protein and can be balanced with various side options. Consider pairing it with whole grains or a serving of colorful vegetables to enhance its nutrient profile.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Japan into your home. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers. Try making it tonight and delight in every savory bite!
If you loved this recipe, consider checking out more like it to expand your cooking repertoire!
Links to Related Recipes
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
- Sticky Soy Chicken Wings
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ 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
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey dissolves and all ingredients blend well.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked thoroughly, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
Combining
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over it. Stir to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
Thickening the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet and stir well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, which will take around 2-3 minutes.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot with rice or noodles.