Quick and Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen? This chicken teriyaki recipe is just the ticket. With tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, it’s a meal that pleases the whole family. You’ll find that with just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.

Imagine the aroma of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic wafting through your kitchen as the chicken sizzles. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on speed, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner solution.

The Allure of Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is a dish that captivates the senses with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas. This Japanese classic showcases tender chicken coated in a glossy, dark teriyaki sauce that beckons to be savored. The dish is not just a feast for the palate but a visual delight as well, particularly when served over fluffy white rice.

The marriage of flavors in chicken teriyaki is nothing short of delightful. The sweetness of honey or brown sugar complements the umami richness of soy sauce, while fresh ginger and garlic provide a fragrant punch. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making this dish a beloved choice among many.

Preparing the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

A key element of this dish is the homemade teriyaki sauce, which is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. Combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl creates a sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.

The versatility of this sauce allows it to coat the chicken beautifully, giving it a rich, glossy finish. As the chicken cooks, the sauce thickens, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. It’s this homemade touch that sets chicken teriyaki apart from takeout options.

Cooking Techniques to Achieve Tender Chicken

For cooking the chicken, selecting boneless, skinless thighs or breasts is essential. These cuts remain juicy and tender, especially when marinated in the teriyaki sauce beforehand. After marinating, sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown. This technique locks in moisture and flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked, returning it to the skillet with the thickened sauce ensures every piece is thoroughly coated before serving, creating a satisfying and mouthwatering experience.

The Art of Presentation

Presentation plays a vital role in enjoying chicken teriyaki. Serving the glazed chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice creates a stunning visual contrast, while garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds adds a touch of elegance.

Including a side of steamed broccoli not only enhances the plate’s appeal but also adds a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting. The bright green of the broccoli complements the rich hues of the teriyaki sauce, ensuring that every aspect of the meal is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Nutrition and Serving Suggestions

This chicken teriyaki dish serves as a balanced meal option, providing a wealth of nutrients from the chicken and vegetables. A typical serving contains about 350 calories, with a healthy dose of protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized.

Pair this dish with a light salad or some pickled vegetables for added crunch and flavor. It also pairs well with a glass of cold green tea, which harmonizes with the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Making Chicken Teriyaki Your Own

One of the great aspects of chicken teriyaki is its adaptability. Feel free to incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a personalized touch. You can also experiment with varying levels of sweetness in the sauce, depending on your taste preferences.

This dish can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire, offering both comfort and satisfaction. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, chicken teriyaki promises to impress with its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation.

The Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

This easy chicken teriyaki features juicy pieces of chicken that are marinated and then glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s slightly sweet, a little salty, and extraordinarily flavorful, making it a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or bowl, and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil and cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
5. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it over cooked rice, drizzling any remaining sauce on top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g