Teriyaki chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors, making it a go-to dish for quick and delicious meals. With its glossy, sticky glaze and tender, juicy chicken, this Japanese-inspired favorite is both simple to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-style meal at home or looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe delivers. Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or even in a wrap for a tasty twist.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a classic for a reason—it’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The combination of a sweet and savory glaze with tender, juicy chicken makes it a family favorite. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Easy to Make: A simple marinade and a few pantry staples come together in no time.
- Bold, Authentic Flavor: A perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness creates a rich umami taste.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, in a stir-fry, or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
- Better Than Takeout: Enjoy fresh, homemade teriyaki chicken with no unnecessary additives.
This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and cut it into bite-sized pieces if preferred. This helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken – Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then place the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Thicken the Sauce – Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine & Coat – Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it cook for another minute to soak up the flavors.
Garnish & Serve – Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve hot over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken—sweet, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite!
Pro Tips and Variations
Creating the perfect teriyaki chicken is easy, but here are some tips and variations to elevate your dish and tailor it to your taste:
Pro Tips:
Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the chicken to absorb more of those delicious umami-rich flavors.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness. For a less sweet option, reduce it slightly.
Use High Heat: When cooking the chicken, ensure your pan is hot enough. This helps achieve a nice sear, locking in juices and flavor.
Variations:
Add Vegetables: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Try Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Experiment with Sauces: Mix it up by adding a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist or using sriracha for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Once your teriyaki chicken is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it up for a delicious meal! Here are some tasty ideas to enhance your dining experience:
Serve Over Rice: A classic choice! Fluffy white rice or brown rice complements the sticky teriyaki glaze perfectly. For extra flavor, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth.
Pair with Noodles: For a satisfying twist, serve your teriyaki chicken over stir-fried noodles or soba noodles. Toss in some colorful veggies for a vibrant dish.
Add a Side of Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add nutrition and color to your plate. They also help balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Create a Teriyaki Bowl: Assemble a bowl with layers of rice or noodles, teriyaki chicken, and assorted toppings like avocado, cucumber, and edamame for a fresh and filling meal.
Wrap It Up: For a fun and portable option, wrap the teriyaki chicken in lettuce leaves or tortillas, adding fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra sauce for flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve your teriyaki chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy your culinary creation and share it with family and friends for a truly delightful meal!
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor! This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or as a tasty wrap, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
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FAQs
What is chicken teriyaki made of?
Chicken teriyaki is primarily made of chicken, typically thighs or breasts, coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce. This sauce usually includes soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The combination creates a deliciously sticky glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
What does chicken teriyaki taste like?
Chicken teriyaki has a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The sauce offers a rich umami taste with hints of sweetness from the brown sugar and a touch of warmth from the garlic and ginger. The dish is often complemented by a glossy, sticky texture that makes each bite satisfying.
Is teriyaki halal?
Yes, teriyaki can be halal, but it’s essential to check the ingredients used in the sauce and the type of chicken. Ensure that the soy sauce is free from any non-halal ingredients, and use halal-certified chicken for the dish to meet dietary requirements.
Is teriyaki Chinese or Japanese?
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat while being glazed with a sweet soy sauce mixture. While it has become popular in many Asian cuisines, its roots are distinctly Japanese.