Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and savory dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet and salty glaze. The rich teriyaki sauce caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. Served with steamed rice or vegetables, this dish makes for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of the dish—it’s a perfect combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger that brings out the savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes in the chicken. It’s also super versatile; I can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even chicken skewers. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a quick meal for guests. Plus, the chicken gets beautifully glazed with the teriyaki sauce, making it incredibly juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.

2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 more minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat the chicken. If using boneless skinless thighs, you can also brush the sauce directly onto the chicken while it’s cooking to get an even glaze.

5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

6. Serve Hot: Serve the teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or weekends.

Variations

This teriyaki chicken recipe is versatile, and there are several ways to customize it. I’ve made variations by adding a little spice, such as stirring in some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce into the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick. For a slightly different flavor, I’ve swapped the sesame oil with olive oil and added a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist. If I want a lighter version, I sometimes use skinless chicken thighs or grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm it up in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or reheat it in a pan on low heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; just make sure it’s well wrapped. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I use chicken with bones for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken works as well! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook through, about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Definitely! If I’m short on time, I sometimes use store-bought teriyaki sauce. However, I prefer making it from scratch because I can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to my liking. Plus, homemade teriyaki sauce has a fresh, rich flavor that really enhances the chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time. I often cook the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container with the sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge. When ready to serve, I simply reheat it on the stovetop.

Can I make this recipe with other proteins?

Of course! While chicken is the most common choice, you can easily swap it for other proteins such as tofu, pork, or beef. For tofu, I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu, pressing it first to remove excess moisture, and pan-frying it until golden before adding the teriyaki sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) to the simmering sauce. Just be sure to add it gradually and allow the sauce to simmer for a minute or two to thicken.

Conclusion

Teriyaki chicken is a deliciously satisfying dish that’s quick to make and packed with savory flavors. The homemade teriyaki sauce gives it an authentic taste that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and goes perfectly with a side of rice or vegetables. A truly delightful meal that I love to prepare and share!

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