Teriyaki chicken is a dish that captivates hearts and taste buds alike. Originating from Japan, this beloved dish features succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that adds a burst of flavor to each bite. With its glossy, rich appearance and harmonious blend of ingredients, teriyaki chicken has firmly established itself as a staple in homes and restaurants all around the world.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This teriyaki chicken recipe is special for several reasons. Firstly, it combines simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry, making it an accessible option for those busy nights when you crave something delicious. Secondly, the cooking process is exceptionally straightforward, allowing you to prepare a delightful meal in just a matter of minutes. You can put this dish together easily, ensuring that you don’t spend all evening in the kitchen.
Moreover, this teriyaki chicken is customizable to suit your tastes. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or enhance the flavor with additional ingredients like sesame seeds or green onions. This flexibility means you can create a teriyaki chicken dish that’s uniquely yours, adding your personal touch to each preparation.
Lastly, this recipe yields a flavor that appeals to a wide audience. Kids and adults alike adore the sweet and savory notes, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. The essence of traditional teriyaki comes through while being approachable for modern palates.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
To prepare this mouth-watering teriyaki chicken, you’ll need the following 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 peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for serving (optional)
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to jump into cooking this delightful dish. Follow these straightforward steps to bring your teriyaki chicken to life:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, begin by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil will create a non-stick surface and help the chicken brown beautifully.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet, ensuring that the pieces are not overcrowded. Allow the chicken to brown on the bottom for about 3-4 minutes. This initial browning step is important for flavor. Once browned, flip the chicken to cook the other side. Continue cooking until the center registers about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take approximately 3 more minutes.
- Whisk the Sauce Together: While the chicken is cooking, grab a bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is properly cooked, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over it. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Continue cooking and tossing for another 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Your teriyaki chicken is now ready to be served. Transfer it to a plate and optionally garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
With these steps completed, you can feel proud of your homemade teriyaki chicken. It’s an accomplishment that will surely delight not just yourself but anyone fortunate enough to share in the meal with you.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Serving teriyaki chicken can be as creative as the cooking process itself. You have several options to present this dish beautifully:
- Over Rice: A classic way to serve teriyaki chicken is over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce and balances the flavors, making for a satisfying meal.
- With Vegetables: For a healthier option, consider serving your teriyaki chicken alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work wonderfully and add color to your plate.
- In Wraps: You can also use the teriyaki chicken to fill wraps or lettuce leaves. This creates an interactive meal where everyone can customize their own wraps with additional ingredients like cucumbers, carrots, and sauces.
- As a Salad Topping: If you are looking for a lighter option, place teriyaki chicken atop a fresh salad. This adds protein to the dish and can be an excellent choice for a summer meal.
Whatever option you choose, make sure to present your teriyaki chicken in a way that highlights its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. The garnishes of sesame seeds and green onions can add not only flavor but visual appeal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure that your teriyaki chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Quality of Chicken: Ensure you use fresh, high-quality chicken. This can elevate the dish significantly. Look for chicken breasts that are firm and have a bright color.
- Soy Sauce Choice: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control your dish’s saltiness. It allows the sweetness of honey and brown sugar to shine through without overpowering the other flavors.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This lets the flavors penetrate deeply into the chicken.
- Monitor Sauce Thickness: Pay attention to the sauce as it thickens. You want it to coat the chicken well but not become too thick; adjust by adding a splash of water if necessary.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Always use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Dried versions don’t provide the same vibrant taste and aroma.
By following these tips, you can perfect your teriyaki chicken recipe and impress family and friends with every tasty bite.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
Proper storage of any leftover teriyaki chicken ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness later. Here are some steps to store it effectively:
- Cooling Off: Allow the teriyaki chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it into your storage container.
- Container: Use an airtight container to store the chicken. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store the teriyaki chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Just ensure it is in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag with as much air removed as possible. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chicken, simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, ensuring it retains its saucy goodness.
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken
While the classic teriyaki chicken recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are numerous ways to put your spin on it. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add some chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick. This variation brings in an entirely new flavor profile while still retaining the essence of teriyaki.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the skillet as the chicken cooks. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully and adds a tropical twist.
- Vegetable Teriyaki Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or a medley of colorful vegetables. Use the same sauce for an equally tasty result.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Thread pieces of chicken onto skewers and grill them for a smoky flavor. This variation is perfect for barbecues and adds a fun element to your serving.
- Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Bowl: Serve the chicken over noodles instead of rice for a different texture. You can also add vegetables and toss everything together with the sauce for a delicious noodle bowl.
These variations not only keep your meals exciting but also allow you to explore new flavors while enjoying the beloved teriyaki profile.
FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken
What is teriyaki chicken, and where does it originate?
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a savory-sweet sauce. It originated in Japan but has gained widespread popularity worldwide.
How can I make teriyaki sauce from scratch?
You can make teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste for the perfect blend of flavors.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs can be a great alternative. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, providing a different texture to the dish.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Traditional teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, which usually contains wheat. However, you can find gluten-free soy sauce options that work just as well.
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes Use fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness.
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1.5 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger Use fresh for best flavor.
- 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh garlic About 2 cloves.
- 2 tsp cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
For Serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions Optional garnishes.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet, do not overcrowd, and brown for 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Flip the chicken and cook until the center reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately 3 more minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Cook for another 30-60 seconds until sauce thickens.
Serving
- Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a plate and optionally garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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