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Table of Contents:
- What is Chicken Teriyaki?
- Ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki
- Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Teriyaki
- Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Teriyaki
- Serving Suggestions for Chicken Teriyaki
- Nutritional Information
- Variations of Chicken Teriyaki
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Should Skip This Recipe?
What is Chicken Teriyaki?
Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish loved worldwide for its savory-sweet glaze and tender, flavorful chicken. The term “teriyaki” refers to the cooking technique of grilling or broiling with a sweet soy-based sauce, resulting in a glossy, caramelized coating.
I first tried Chicken Teriyaki at a small Japanese restaurant, and it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve perfected my homemade version, which I’m excited to share with you today!
Ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (boneless) | 500 g | Skin-on for extra flavor, optional |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Low-sodium recommended for better balance |
| Mirin (sweet rice wine) | 1/4 cup | Substitute with a mix of sugar and rice wine |
| Sake | 1/4 cup | Optional but adds depth to the flavor |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | Adjust for desired sweetness |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Ginger | 1 tsp | Grated |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tbsp | For a thicker sauce |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Non-stick skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs for flipping chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Teriyaki
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the sauce over them. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Simmer with Sauce:
- Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to low, and pour in the remaining sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the chicken and serve over steamed rice with a drizzle of sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Teriyaki
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat.
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor.
- For a smoky taste, cook on a grill instead of a skillet.
- Avoid burning the sauce by cooking on low heat once added to the pan.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Teriyaki
- Serve with steamed rice and a side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Pair with a miso soup or a light salad for a full Japanese-inspired meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flair.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 15 g
Variations of Chicken Teriyaki
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
- Honey Teriyaki: Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
- Vegetarian Teriyaki: Swap chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A: Absolutely! However, homemade sauce provides fresher, customizable flavors.
Q: How long can I store Chicken Teriyaki?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be frozen separately for up to a month.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
- Individuals on a low-sodium diet (even low-sodium soy sauce can add up).
- Those avoiding sugar or alcohol, as mirin and sake are integral to the authentic flavor.
- Anyone allergic to soy or gluten (use gluten-free tamari as an alternative).
What Do You Think?
I’d love to hear how your Chicken Teriyaki turns out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, or share any twists you added to make it your own.
This personalized recipe has been my go-to for quick weeknight dinners and impressing friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking! 😊
Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken Teriyaki is a delicious and flavorful Japanese dish where tender chicken is coated with a savory-sweet soy glaze. This easy recipe brings authentic teriyaki flavors to your kitchen, perfect for a quick meal or a special dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs skin-on optional
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup mirin sweet rice wine
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tbsp water to dissolve cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the sauce over them. Cover and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side down (if applicable). Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and Simmer:
- Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the heat to low, and pour the remaining sauce into the skillet. Cover and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it into the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, slice into strips, and serve over steamed rice. Drizzle the sauce on top.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
