Teriyaki Chicken

Introduction

Teriyaki Chicken is a classic Japanese dish known for its irresistible combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words: “teri” (shine) and “yaki” (grill or cook), which perfectly describes the caramelized, flavorful glaze that makes this dish so mouthwatering.

Whether served over a steaming bowl of rice, paired with stir-fried veggies, or enjoyed on its own, Teriyaki Chicken is a comfort food that’s both simple and elegant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Teriyaki Chicken recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with just a few pantry staples. The sauce is the real star—balanced perfectly between salty soy sauce, sweet honey (or sugar), tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger.

What makes me adore this recipe is its versatility. You can make it with chicken thighs for maximum juiciness or chicken breast for a leaner option. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s fast and fuss-free, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with umami flavor and naturally glossy, sticky sauce.
• Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even salads.
• A great way to introduce Japanese flavors at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Course: Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp mirin (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry, optional for thickening)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sear chicken until golden.
2. Make teriyaki sauce in a pan.
3. Combine chicken with sauce until glazed.
4. Garnish and serve over rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side (for thighs) or 4–5 minutes per side (for breasts) until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), garlic, and ginger. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss until coated in the sauce and heated through.
5. Finish and Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

How to Serve

• Serve hot over steamed rice or fried rice.
• Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
• Great with noodles for a hearty meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results.
• Don’t overcook the sauce—it thickens as it cools.
• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in half the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.

Variations

• Teriyaki Salmon: Swap chicken for salmon fillets.
• Teriyaki Tofu: A vegetarian twist using crispy tofu cubes.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor.
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Cook on the grill for a smoky finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (separately or together) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Sharp knife for slicing chicken
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (if thickening sauce)

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken is a timeless Japanese favorite that combines juicy chicken with a glossy, sweet, and savory glaze. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to bottled sauces again.

This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, and with just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that delights the whole family.