Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish with tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This popular Asian-inspired recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests. The balance of salty soy sauce, sweet honey, and tangy ginger creates a mouthwatering glaze that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The rich, homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making each bite of chicken irresistible. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing the chicken, it absorbs the sauce beautifully, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat every time. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from steamed rice to stir-fried vegetables, making it an easy go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the teriyaki sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• 2-3 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find 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, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then cook them for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can grill or bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

3. Glaze the chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and thicken further.

4. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the pan and slice it if desired. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables, and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and color.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Grilled teriyaki chicken: Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling for even more flavor.

• Teriyaki chicken stir-fry: Slice the chicken into strips and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.) in the teriyaki sauce.

• Pineapple teriyaki: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the sauce or cook the chicken with pineapple for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs with skin, but you may need to cook them for a little longer. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before using.

Can I make this dish without honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or a sweetener like agave nectar as a substitute for honey.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making it?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce can be used in place of homemade sauce. However, making your own allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes, this recipe can work with other meats like pork, beef, or even tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour in the teriyaki sauce will infuse it with even more flavor.

What should I serve with teriyaki chicken?

Teriyaki chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a side of sautéed spinach or bok choy.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of cornstarch or let it simmer for a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

How can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

To make slow cooker teriyaki chicken, add the chicken breasts and teriyaki sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss it with the sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its sweet, savory, and tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, this recipe is easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal everyone will love!

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