Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Teriyaki chicken is a classic and flavorful dish with roots in Japanese cuisine, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe brings the best of both worlds into a quick, simple meal that can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family or guests, this recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: While you can marinate the chicken for several hours, even 30 minutes will give great results. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir together to combine. If you have more time, you can also add minced garlic and ginger to the marinade for more depth of flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re using chicken thighs, you may need to cook them a bit longer, as they tend to be thicker. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting the chicken helps it retain its juices and stay moist.

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with ½ cup water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed. Add a bit more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for extra tang. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more water.

Bringing It All Together

1. Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or pieces on a cutting board.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the chicken once plated for a cleaner presentation.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired, for extra flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The sticky rice will absorb the savory sauce, making it a perfect companion to the teriyaki chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve with a medley of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a balanced meal.
3. Crispy Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with a vinegar-based dressing adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.
4. Noodles: Try serving the chicken on a bed of soba noodles or ramen for an even more substantial meal.
5. Edamame: Steamed edamame makes a great appetizer or side dish to go with your teriyaki chicken.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try to suit your taste:

1. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a dash of chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken: For a more garlicky flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic in the sauce.
3. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken instead of pan-searing it.
4. Vegetarian Teriyaki “Chicken”: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating and cooking.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Layer rice, vegetables, and sliced chicken in a bowl, then drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Marinate the Chicken: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Even a quick 30-minute marinade will enhance the flavor, but marinating for several hours or overnight will give it an even deeper taste.
2. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in the flavor of the teriyaki sauce. If you use jarred versions, the flavor may not be as fresh or vibrant.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing.
4. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial. It helps to retain the juices, resulting in a more tender and moist chicken.
5. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce to your taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch, or if you like it thinner, add more water.

Conclusion

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a delicious meal that impresses your family and friends. The versatility of this dish allows you to serve it in various ways, whether over rice, in a wrap, or as part of a larger feast.

Yield: 4

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Teriyaki chicken is a classic and flavorful dish with roots in Japanese cuisine, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe brings the best of both worlds into a quick, simple meal that can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family or guests, this recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
   Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   
5. Serve:
   Remove from heat and transfer the chicken to plates. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Chicken Thighs: If using chicken thighs, the cooking time may be a little longer, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.