Why Make This Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the sweet and savory flavors of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, perfect for a family meal, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. The great thing about teriyaki chicken is that it’s versatile; you can serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings or dinner parties. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can prepare this dish, even if you’re new to cooking.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture will be your teriyaki sauce. Make sure it’s well combined, allowing the flavors to meld.
Marinate the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs or breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate it overnight.
Prepare the Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, you might want to add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure it is fully cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
Serve: Serve your teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. You can pair it with rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
With Rice: Serve it over steamed white rice or brown rice. You can also opt for jasmine or basmati rice for different flavors.
Noodle Bowl: Place the sliced teriyaki chicken on a bed of cooked noodles. Top with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful meal.
Salad: Prepare a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Place the teriyaki chicken on top and drizzle with some extra teriyaki sauce or a sesame dressing.
Wraps: Use lettuce wraps or tortillas. Place chicken slices inside with some veggies and a drizzle of sauce for a delicious wrap.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.
In the Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should be consumed within 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: You can also freeze leftover teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the best flavor to your sauce. Avoid using powdered versions if possible.
Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can adjust the amount of honey. Start with less and add more to taste if needed.
Add Vegetables: If you want to make the dish more nutritious, consider adding vegetables to the marinade or cooking them alongside the chicken.
Experiment with Marinade Time: While a 30-minute marinade works fine, marinating for longer—up to overnight—will deepen the flavor immensely.
Variations
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some chili sauce over the chicken before serving.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before marinating. Cook it in a hot skillet with your favorite vegetables for a quick stir-fry dish.
Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Instead of grilling or pan-frying, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat you choose.
2. Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which has gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make a gluten-free version.
3. Can I make teriyaki chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and marinade in advance, allowing it to marinate in the fridge overnight. Cook it the next day for a quick meal.
4. How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce while cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. What should I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad. You can choose whatever side dishes you enjoy!
In conclusion, Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and simple recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful Asian meal at home. With its sweet and savory flavors, you can easily whip this dish up for family dinners or gatherings. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a regular feature in your meal rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A flavorful and easy recipe for Teriyaki Chicken, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over chicken, ensuring it’s well coated, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Serve your teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, pairing with rice or noodles.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. Adjust sweetness by varying honey amount.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Chicken, Teriyaki, Japanese, Easy Dinner, Family Meal