Looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe. With tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, savory teriyaki sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for any family meal.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Combine with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Garnish the teriyaki chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Serving Tips:
Pairing Options: Serve your teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a classic combination. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
Garnishing: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch, while green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Serving Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed hot. For an extra touch, drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce over the top before serving.
Side Dishes: Consider serving alongside Asian-inspired sides like pickled vegetables, edamame, or a crisp cucumber salad to complement the flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The teriyaki chicken will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from the fridge, you can also use the microwave; just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Sauce Separation: If you notice the teriyaki sauce has separated during storage, simply stir it back together before reheating.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be aware that chicken breasts are leaner and may cook faster than thighs. To ensure they stay moist, avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki chicken a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors may even improve as they meld together overnight.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar if I don’t have any on hand?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will provide a similar tangy flavor, though rice vinegar has a milder taste. Adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
Conclusion:
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers a quick, delicious solution for busy weeknights with tender chicken in a savory sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables. Enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to please!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that features tender chicken pieces in a savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this easy chicken recipe is ideal for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-quality finish!
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In the same skillet, add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually stir into the simmering sauce until thickened to your preference.
- Combine with Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
